Unintended Disclosure: US Officials Discuss Yemen Strikes in Group Chat with Journalist

The US National Security Council confirmed that journalist Jeffrey Goldberg was inadvertently included in a communications thread where sensitive discussions about military strikes against the Houthi group took place. The incident highlights potential lapses in protocol surrounding national security discussions amid ongoing tensions.

In a surprising development, the White House acknowledged that a journalist was inadvertently added to a group chat in which US national security officials were orchestrating military actions against the Houthi rebel group in Yemen. According to Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, he received a request from an account that appeared to belong to National Security Adviser Michael Waltz via the encrypted messaging app Signal, known for its secure communication features.

Brian Hughes, a spokesman for the National Security Council, confirmed the authenticity of the chat and stated, "We are reviewing how an inadvertent number was added to the chain." The group chat included several high-ranking officials, including Vice-President JD Vance and other defense and intelligence leaders. Notably, the conversation touched on strategic military decisions and the impact on US foreign policy.

On March 15, the US launched "decisive and powerful" air strikes against the Houthis, described as a response to their aggression towards US interests and allies. Four days prior, Goldberg found himself part of a chat named "Houthi PC small group," where various officials discussed military tactics and timelines. At one point, an account attributed to JD Vance expressed concerns about the strikes conflicting with President Trump's overall messaging regarding Europe.

Despite initial skepticism, Goldberg monitored the discussions and noted the timing of the military actions aligned closely with the emerging information from the chat. Following the strikes, President Trump communicated the rationale behind the military response on social media, stating that the Houthis had posed persistent threats to US forces.

This incident not only raises eyebrows over operational security protocols in military communications but also emphasizes the need for vigilance regarding digital privacy as global tensions escalate. As leaders in the administration assured their alignment in foreign policy messaging, observers are left questioning the implications of such communication breaches in sensitive geopolitical contexts.