Hey amigonews readers! In a twist that reads like a spy novel, U.S. national security insiders accidentally added journalist Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, to a secret Signal chat discussing planned air strikes on Houthi forces in Yemen. 😮
The story goes back to March 11 when Goldberg received a connection request from a user named Michael Waltz – a name linked to a senior national security advisor. Two days later, he found himself in a group chat titled "Houthi PC Small Group," where details about targets, weapon deployments, and attack sequencing were being shared.
At first, Goldberg couldn’t believe his eyes. How could sensitive war plans be discussed on Signal, an app known for secure messaging? As the discussion unfolded and the actual air strikes took place as previewed, questions multiplied. Goldberg reached out to some of the officials in the chat to verify the authenticity of the conversation.
A spokesman for the National Security Council explained, "This appears to be an authentic message chain, and we are reviewing how an inadvertent number was added." Meanwhile, political figures and legal experts expressed deep concern over the breach of security protocols, warning that such oversights could risk national security and even lead to legal complications.
During a White House briefing, President Donald Trump was asked about the incident. He remarked, "I don't know anything about it. You're telling me about it for the first time," even sharing a humorous social media post that mocked the leak. However, voices on Capitol Hill, including top Democrats, labeled the episode as a dangerous lapse in operational security.
This incident raises important questions on how confidential military operations are coordinated. The use of apps like Signal for high-level security discussions might offer convenience, but as seen here, it also poses risks if protocols aren’t strictly followed. As young readers and professionals, it’s a reminder that even in our hyper-connected world, security and discretion remain key in matters of national defense. 🔒
Reference(s):
How a U.S. journalist ended up in secret chat on Yemen strike plans
cgtn.com
