Breach of Security: Journalist Added to U.S. Military Attack Planning Group

Jeffrey Goldberg, Editor of The Atlantic, was mistakenly added to a text group where U.S. officials discussed detailed plans for bombings in Yemen, presenting a significant security breach. Discussions involved Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other senior officials, raising concerns over operational security and informing calls for investigations amidst the ongoing military actions against the Iran-aligned Houthis.

In an unprecedented incident, Jeffrey Goldberg, Editor-in-Chief of The Atlantic, recounted being inadvertently added to a Signal messaging group that included top U.S. officials discussing plans for bombings targeting Houthi forces in Yemen. This occurrence raises significant security concerns, especially in light of the current administration’s focus on preventing leaks.

Goldberg initially dismissed a connection request he received from an account he later confirmed belonged to Michael Waltz, the U.S. National Security Adviser. Upon realization, he found the messaging group discussing detailed military strategies against the Houthis, known for their assaults on commercial ships in the Red Sea.

Although Goldberg refrained from publishing key operational details, he noted that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth shared significant information concerning the strikes, which included target specifics, weaponry in use, and sequences of the attacks. This information was publicly acknowledged as the strikes commenced soon after these discussions.

The messages shared in the group indicated a dynamic internal debate among high-ranking officials, including Vice President JD Vance, who voiced his initial dissent toward the strikes. He questioned whether President Trump understood the implications of the military action on global oil prices, a viewpoint that was dismissed by White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller.

Prominent leaders such as Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe participated in these discussions, further highlighting the gravity of the situation. Despite inquiries about the breach, President Trump claimed ignorance, while his spokeswoman assured confidence in the national security team.

Hegseth subsequently stated, “nobody was texting war plans,” while National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes characterized the messaging thread as indicative of efficient policy coordination and denied any risk to national security.

The incident raised legal questions surrounding potential violations of government records retention laws, as messages were set to disappear after several days, a practice inconsistent with federal regulations. Calls for inquiries by various lawmakers seeking oversight into the breach have also emerged following this incident.

House Speaker Mike Johnson defended Waltz amidst the controversy, emphasizing the lack of adverse consequences for involved personnel. However, Senator Jack Reed voiced concerns, deeming the occurrence one of the most severe lapses in operational security.

Ultimately, the U.S. missile attacks against the Houthis occurred just over a week ago, against a backdrop of increasing threats to shipping in the Red Sea. The messaging exchange further illustrated a casual tone among officials, showcasing emojis and informal dialogue in the aftermath of the military actions.

The accidental inclusion of a journalist in a high-level military planning chat underscores a significant breach of security within the current administration, raising questions about operational protocols and the handling of classified information. Despite assurances from officials regarding the integrity of the national security framework, the incident has prompted calls for oversight and accountability, highlighting the delicate balance between transparency and security in government operations.

Original Source: www.business-standard.com