The White House confirmed that a journalist was mistakenly included in a group chat discussing U.S. military strikes against Yemen’s Houthi rebels. This incident raises security concerns, especially as sensitive details were shared. President Trump claimed he was unaware, while officials face scrutiny for potential criminal conduct stemming from the breach.

On March 24, the White House confirmed that a journalist was inadvertently included in a group chat among high-ranking officials discussing upcoming military strikes against Yemen’s Houthi rebels. This incident followed President Donald Trump’s announcement of strikes on March 15. Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, revealed that he received advance notification about the strikes through the group chat on Signal, potentially indicating a significant security breach.

The National Security Council’s spokesman Brian Hughes acknowledged the authenticity of the message thread and indicated that an investigation was underway regarding the addition of an unintended number. President Trump stated that he was unaware of the situation, mentioning, “I don’t know anything about it. You’re telling me about it for the first time,” but remarked that the attacks had been effective.

Goldberg noted that Hegseth had shared critical details regarding the strikes, including targets and weapons to be employed. He detailed a timeline in which detonation in Yemen would commence two hours after the message, corroborated by subsequent events on the ground. Goldberg had been added to the group chat two days prior and received input from various officials regarding the operation.

The group chat included remarks from Vice President JD Vance, who expressed reservations about the strikes, highlighting a belief that European nations were more affected by Houthi actions. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Hegseth responded by affirming that only the United States had the resources for the operation, while a participant identified as “S M” suggested that the U.S. should extract economic benefits from its military efforts.

The breach has provoked backlash from Democratic lawmakers, such as Senator Chris Coons, who accused the involved officials of criminal conduct on social media. The Houthi rebels have significantly impacted maritime traffic in the region, attacking vessels to demonstrate solidarity with the Palestinian cause amidst the Gaza conflict. The U.S. military response to the Houthis has been ongoing, continuing under the current administration, following actions initiated during Biden’s presidency.

In summary, the accidental inclusion of a journalist in a sensitive government group chat has raised concerns over national security and transparency in military operations. The revelation of strike details, coupled with the political implications of such breaches, showcases the potential risks associated with communication platforms. The responses from both the government and lawmakers underscore the severity of the incident, which could have serious repercussions for those involved.

Original Source: www.lemonde.fr

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