**A Signal group chat inadvertently included an Atlantic editor who observed US officials' discussions about imminent airstrikes against Houthi forces in Yemen, raising concerns over sensitive information leaks.**
**Leaked Signal Chat Reveals Plans for US Airstrikes in Yemen**
**Leaked Signal Chat Reveals Plans for US Airstrikes in Yemen**
**Inadvertently added journalist documents private discussions among top national security officials regarding military operations.**
In a surprising revelation, a journalist was inadvertently included in a Signal group chat where US national security officials discussed impending strikes against the Houthi rebel group in Yemen. Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, reported that he found himself in the company of several high-ranking officials, including National Security Adviser Michael Waltz and Vice President JD Vance.
According to a statement from Brian Hughes, spokesman for the National Security Council, the authenticity of the message thread is being verified, following Goldberg's report that he received a connection request from an account seemingly belonging to Waltz on March 11. Just days later, he was added to a chat titled "Houthi PC small group," which contained usernames matching various cabinet members and national security leaders.
During discussions leading up to the airstrikes, an account attributed to JD Vance expressed concern that President Trump might not be fully aware of the ramifications of the proposed military action. Vance reportedly questioned the potential for increased oil prices as well as the inconsistency of the strikes with the administration's messaging on Europe.
In response to inquiries, a spokesman for Vance affirmed that the vice president supports the administration's foreign policy, emphasizing subsequent discussions between him and Trump reaffirmed their alignment on military actions.
Goldberg initially expressed skepticism regarding the legitimacy of the chat, noting it was unfathomable that US security leaders would discuss war plans over a secure messaging platform. Nonetheless, he remained watchful, and on March 15, while waiting in a supermarket parking lot, he observed discussions about a strike as news of explosions in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa emerged.
That day, Trump confirmed the airstrikes, attributing them to the Houthis' aggression against US forces and allies, claiming that these actions had severe consequences. Following the strikes, which reportedly resulted in numerous civilian casualties according to Houthi sources, Waltz appeared on television to assert that the US responded decisively to Iran's provocations.
Moreover, discussions among officials hinted at the need for European nations to contribute financially to the protection of vital shipping lanes, further highlighting the broader implications of US military strategies in the region.
