Inadvertent Disclosure: U.S. Military Plans Shared with Journalist in Group Chat
An American journalist, Jeffrey Goldberg, accidentally received sensitive details about U.S. military airstrikes on Yemen’s Houthis through a group chat involving high-ranking officials. The incident, revealing serious confidentiality breaches, led to the strikes that resulted in significant casualties. This event highlights vulnerabilities in the communication structure of government agencies and reflects concerns regarding international trade and security policy.
An American journalist inadvertently received classified information regarding U.S. military plans to strike Yemen’s Iranian-allied Houthis. Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, was part of a group chat involving key Trump administration figures, including Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. He became aware of impending airstrikes two hours before they commenced on March 15, revealing he was added to the chat on March 13, which he initially regarded with skepticism.
The airstrikes, which resulted in the deaths of at least 53 individuals, were in retaliation for threats posed by the Houthis against “Israeli” shipping, following a blockade of aid to Gaza by Israel. President Trump made a statement regarding the bombings, asserting, “If they don’t, hell will rain down upon you like nothing you have ever seen before,” and emphasized Iran’s accountability.
Goldberg’s inclusion in the chat revealed sensitive discussions among senior officials, including directives linked to classified systems. The group chat comprised 18 members, including a noted intelligence officer. The Secretary of Defense conveyed operational plans and coordination tasks, indicating the gravity of the situation and the urgency of the attack.
During discussions, Vice President Vance expressed concerns about potential ramifications, highlighting economic implications for oil prices and U.S. trade interests. He presented a case for delaying the operations to better communicate the strategy’s significance to the public. This concern was echoed by other officials, with Hegseth agreeing on the necessity of a prompt response while lamenting European reliance.
As the plans unfurled, Goldberg observed messages that, if intercepted, could jeopardize American military personnel. Following the strikes, a celebratory tone emerged amongst the group, prompting Goldberg to exit the chat and reach out to various officials for verification. A representative of the Vice President remarked that the administration was diligently conducting assessments regarding this significant security lapse.
The incident underscores significant lapses in operational security within the Trump administration, spotlighting the risks emerging from unauthorized disclosures of sensitive information. Jeffrey Goldberg’s experience sheds light on the internal dynamics of military decision-making and the discussions that precede combat operations. Moreover, the reactions among senior officials reveal a blend of strategic consideration and concern over geopolitical ramifications, particularly relating to European allies.
Original Source: news.sky.com
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