- विज्ञापन -
Washington: A leaked Signal chat has raised significant concerns over operational security, revealing that senior officials from the Trump administration, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, National Security Adviser Michael Waltz, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, shared sensitive details about an upcoming military strike on Yemen. The messages, which were accidentally sent to The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, contained specific timing and logistical information about the strike. While the administration has downplayed the incident, claiming no classified information was shared, experts argue that even unclassified details could pose a serious security risk if intercepted.
The chat, named “Houthi PC small group,” included real-time updates on mission status, weather conditions, and launch timings for fighter jets and drones. Goldberg viewed these details two hours before the airstrikes were carried out. If hostile actors had gained access, they could have taken countermeasures or targeted U.S. forces. The discussion also included intelligence on Houthi targets, and some officials reacted positively to the news.
Security experts expressed concern that the breach could have compromised American forces, as operational details, even if unclassified, are still valuable intelligence. Former NSA analyst Jake Williams highlighted that unsecured communication channels could lead to immediate countermeasures or preemptive strikes by adversaries. The Trump administration has denied any security breach, but some lawmakers have called for stricter communication protocols. Senator Mark Warner emphasized that such sensitive military discussions should not be shared on unsecured platforms like Signal.
The administration has not explained how Goldberg was included in the chat, and no one has taken responsibility for the mistake. The incident has drawn attention to the security practices of the administration, following previous concerns over the handling of sensitive information, including the use of personal email accounts for government business. The fallout from the leaked chat continues, with experts warning of lasting consequences for military operations. The White House has not indicated any disciplinary actions, but internal reviews are underway. Meanwhile, the Yemen operation proceeded as planned, successfully targeting Houthi missile sites.
