Yemen's Strikes: High-Ranking US Officials' Signal Group Chat Revealed

A recent leak of conversations from a Signal chat group involving top US security officials sheds light on military operations in Yemen, raising questions about classified information.

A discussion by high-ranking US security officials about US airstrikes on Yemen was recently published in full by Atlantic magazine, igniting controversy over the disclosure of sensitive information. The group chat inadvertently included Atlantic's editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg, who decided to release the nearly complete exchange after senior officials confirmed that no classified data had been shared. Goldberg stated that the public should see the texts to draw their own conclusions.

One of the critical aspects of the leaked messages is the detailed timetable for the planned military operations. Described as a "package," this denotes a comprehensive assembly of aircraft, weaponry, and intelligence assets ready for deployment. Glenn Gerstell, former general counsel of the National Security Agency (NSA), stressed that any imminent military operation involving American forces would have been considered classified at the time of the messages. Former military intelligence officer Philip Ingram emphasized that the shared information could allow for precise tracking of US aircraft movements.

In light of the chat's disclosures, US officials, including spokespersons from the White House, have argued that this information does not constitute a comprehensive "war plan." In a response on social media platform X, Hegseth defended the release, indicating that no specific names, targets, locations, or operational details were included in the chat.

Another significant revelation from the chat comes from National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, who provides an update on the impact of the airstrikes, including a battle damage assessment of a target—a Houthi "missile guy." The messages suggest that the US military had successfully tracked the target and confirmed his presence at a location believed to be associated with his girlfriend. The exact methods of tracking remain unspecified but could encompass various intelligence-gathering techniques.

The ongoing airstrikes in Yemen have reportedly resulted in the deaths of over 53 individuals, with more than 30 strategic targets hit, including facilities contributing to drone logistics and weapon storage.

Additionally, a message from Joe Kent, a former special operations soldier, discusses Israeli strikes on Houthi targets, linking them to recent military actions in Gaza. Kent mentions that Israel would aim to replenish weapon stocks following these operations. Another sensitive point emerges from CIA Director John Ratcliffe, who notes the agency's ongoing operations in Yemen, emphasizing a careful approach to enhance intelligence on Houthi leadership without compromising their position.

Mick Mulroy, a former deputy assistant secretary of defense, remarked on the sensitivity of Ratcliffe's information, pointing out the need for discretion regarding CIA focus areas. Ratcliffe further clarified at a House hearing that he did not release classified details.

As events unfold, the content and context of these messages highlight the complex dynamics of US military actions in Yemen and surrounding geopolitical tensions.