Breach of Security: Journalist Accidentally Added to U.S. Strike Planning Chat

Jeffrey Goldberg from The Atlantic was mistakenly added to a Signal chat where U.S. officials discussed airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, raising security concerns. The chat included key figures like Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Vice President JD Vance, who debated the implications of military action. Despite rebuttals from the White House, the incident reflects significant operational security failures, with calls for oversight from lawmakers following the breach.

In a shocking incident, Jeffrey Goldberg, Editor-in-Chief of The Atlantic, was inadvertently added to a private chat group on the Signal messaging app, where high-ranking U.S. officials coordinated plans to launch airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. This breach raises significant concerns considering the administration’s commitment to security and minimizing leaks, particularly regarding sensitive military operations.

Goldberg initially dismissed the connection request from Michael Waltz, the U.S. National Security Adviser, as a hoax. However, he soon recognized its authenticity after witnessing discussions on tactical military plans, including detailed intelligence on attack strategies against the Houthis, a militant group posing threats in the Red Sea region. While Goldberg opted not to disclose specific operational particulars in his article, he revealed that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared significant details about the strikes on Yemen.

The chat group included prominent officials such as Vice President JD Vance, who expressed concerns about the consequences of military action on global oil prices, referencing potential inconsistencies with President Donald Trump’s messaging. Vance’s comments, however, faced pushback from other senior officials, notably Stephen Miller, who urged adherence to the President’s directives regarding the strikes.

Despite inquiries into the incident, President Trump claimed ignorance of the breach when questioned. His spokesperson emphasized the trust he places in his national security team. In response to the public scrutiny, Hegseth denied any discussions regarding plans for war, attempting to downplay the seriousness of the incident.

National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes acknowledged the authenticity of the chat, clarifying that the thread demonstrated policy debates within the cabinet. He maintained that no personnel or national interests were jeopardized due to the discussions. The incident, however, contradicts the administration’s recent pledges to curb leaks.

Further complications arose as the chat’s ephemeral nature violated regulations intended for government record-keeping. The use of Signal, while deemed secure, raises questions regarding its authorization for relaying classified information. Past similar breaches have prompted FBI investigations, and several lawmakers have called for thorough oversight.

As the U.S. military executed strikes against the Houthis, government officials expressed approval through informal chat methods, using emojis to convey camaraderie. The event sparked mixed reactions, with some praising the operation’s success while others criticized the operational security lapse, underscoring the potential ramifications of such a significant oversight.

The inadvertent inclusion of a journalist in a military planning chat highlights severe lapses in operational security and raises critical questions regarding the handling of classified information. Despite assurances from officials that national security was not compromised, the breach exemplifies a troubling contradiction to the administration’s stated goals of maintaining security and minimizing leaks. As investigations and inquiries begin, it remains crucial for the administration to reflect on measures necessary to safeguard sensitive military operations in the future.

Original Source: www.business-standard.com