Leaked Signal Chat Highlights Military Tensions Over Yemen Operation
US officials deny classified military plans were leaked from a Signal chat about Yemen operations, following a report by The Atlantic. The leaked chat involved several high-ranking officials discussing the timing of airstrikes. Defense Secretary Hegseth refuted the claims, arguing that the published content lacks critical information, raising issues regarding media ethics and transparency.
Top US officials, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, dispute claims that classified military operations were leaked from a private Signal group regarding a US mission in Yemen. This follows a report from The Atlantic, which resulted in pushback against the publication’s editor, Jeffrey Goldberg, who was labeled as “anti-Trump” and “sensationalist.” Goldberg affirmed the validity of the communication, regarding it as evidence of a security breach
The Signal group, termed “Houthi PC Small Group,” was established by National Security Adviser Michael Waltz. It included senior officials like Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and others. The group was set up for discussing operational strategies concerning Yemen, highlighting the involvement of top government figures.
The chat began with Waltz advocating for coordination among officials over the next 72 hours. Vice President Vance raised concerns about proceeding with an airstrike, suggesting it could impact oil prices and suggested postponement. Despite his hesitations, he fell in line with the group’s consensus, showcasing the tension in decision-making.
CIA Director Ratcliffe preferred a delay to gather more intelligence on Houthi leadership, contrasting Hegseth’s urgency. Hegseth firmly stated that action was necessary to deter threats and restore freedom of navigation in the region.
The chat traced the execution timeline of the military operation: F/A-18 Super Hornets were deployed at noon, the first strike window opened at 1:45 pm, and a second wave of strikes followed shortly thereafter. The primary target, a senior Houthi commander, was successfully eliminated, leading to positive reinforcement from several officials in the chat.
In light of the publication, Hegseth criticized the integrity of the release, asserting that the disclosed plans lacked substantive classified content and further elaborated on the inadequacies of the leaked information and comments regarding The Atlantic’s credibility. The White House has maintained silence on the matter, although the incident has reignited discussions surrounding media ethics and national security amid a politically charged environment.
The article covers the leak from a Signal chat concerning military strategies in Yemen, detailing senior officials’ discussions on the timing of airstrikes. Despite denials from Defense Secretary Hegseth, The Atlantic maintains the authenticity of the leaked messages. The implications of this leak on national security and media ethics raise significant questions, especially in an election year. Ultimately, the situation reflects the complex dynamics between government transparency and media responsibilities.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
