Leaked Plans Reveal Details of U.S. Military Strikes in Yemen
The Atlantic published leaked U.S. plans for military strikes in Yemen against Houthi rebels, revealing detailed timelines and coordination of air strikes. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed operations, citing favorable weather and specific target intelligence. Despite claiming operational security, the breach occurred due to the journalist’s unintended inclusion in the chat. Hegseth expressed confidence in the strikes’ execution in subsequent messages.
On Wednesday, The Atlantic magazine disclosed plans for U.S. military strikes in Yemen, which were mistakenly revealed to the magazine’s editor-in-chief via a chat group composed of senior Trump administration officials. The details outline an imminent military operation against Iran-backed Houthi rebels, along with the subsequent reactions post-attack.
The Signal chat group included Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who disclosed critical information at 11:44 AM on March 15, the day the strikes were scheduled. He confirmed the operation’s launch, stating, “Weather is FAVORABLE. Just CONFIRMED w/CENTCOM we are a GO for mission launch,” referring to U.S. Central Command, responsible for Middle Eastern operations.
Hegseth provided a specific itinerary regarding the aircraft deployments. He indicated that the first F-18 warplanes would commence their mission at 12:15 PM, targeting specific terrorists approximately an hour and a half later. Additionally, MQ-9 Reaper drones were set for launch at the same time as the F-18s.
The operational timeline included further air action with F-18s slated for a second strike at 2:10 PM, followed by drone deployment shortly thereafter. Hegseth added, “THIS IS WHEN THE FIRST BOMBS WILL DEFINITELY DROP, pending earlier ‘Trigger Based’ targets.” The second wave of strikes was scheduled for 3:36 PM, coinciding with the firing of the first sea-based Tomahawk cruise missiles.
Expressing confidence in operational security, Hegseth noted, “We are currently clean on OPSEC,” despite the evident breach due to the journalist’s unintended involvement in the communication channel. At 2:00 PM, fellow official Waltz confirmed the targeting of a Houthi missile expert, providing thorough intelligence on the target’s movements and indicating a strike on a residential building.
Following the strikes, Hegseth communicated that more operations would continue into the evening. He praised the team’s execution by stating, “Great job all. More strikes ongoing for hours tonight, and will provide full initial report tomorrow. But on time, on target, and good readouts so far.”
The leaked details of U.S. military operations against Houthi rebels in Yemen reveal significant planning and intelligence efforts within the Trump administration. The information disclosed includes specific timings and coordination among various military assets, highlighting the complexities and the risks associated with operational security. This incident underscores the potential for unintended exposures during sensitive military communications.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
Post Comment