In a bold twist within U.S. national security circles, journalist Jeffrey Goldberg unexpectedly found himself added to a secret Signal group chat detailing imminent military strike plans against Houthi forces in Yemen. The revelation, coming just hours before the operation, has ignited intense debate among experts and lawmakers alike.
The incident unfolded when Goldberg received a connection request on Signal from a user bearing the name Michael Waltz, purportedly a national security advisor. Two days later, he was added to a group labeled "Houthi PC Small Group." A message in the chat proposed coordinating operations for the next 72 hours, including detailed discussions about targets, weapon deployments, and attack sequencing.
Though initially skeptical about its authenticity, Goldberg's inquiry into the thread revealed operational details that coincided with the actual air strikes in Yemen. His accidental inclusion has raised serious concerns over security protocols, with critics warning that such breaches can imperil lives and undermine the integrity of sensitive communications.
High-ranking officials from the defense and national security teams later downplayed the episode. Nonetheless, political voices—from seasoned lawmakers to keen social media observers—have blasted the oversight, calling for a full investigation into potential legal ramifications and breaches of federal record laws.
This episode underscores the challenges modern security establishments face in balancing rapid digital communication with the utmost confidentiality. As nations navigate an increasingly digital era, the incident serves as a cautionary tale about the vulnerabilities inherent in using encrypted messaging platforms for coordinated military actions.
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How a U.S. journalist ended up in secret chat on Yemen strike plans
cgtn.com
