A shocking US national security breach: How a journalist stumbled into sensitive Yemen war plans

UPDATED: Mar 26, 2025 15:35 IST

Have you ever wondered how secret military operations are planned? The conversations, the strategies, the careful steps before a country decides to launch an attack? It’s an intricate process, typically shrouded in secrecy. However, an astonishing event recently revealed how things can go awry, giving the world a rare glimpse into the inner workings of national security.

This unexpected turn of events began with an American journalist, Jeffrey Goldberg, Editor-in-Chief of The Atlantic, and a simple mistake involving a group chat. This wasn’t just any casual conversation. The chat was being used by high-ranking U.S. officials—Vice President JD Vance, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and Director of Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard among others, who were discussing an upcoming military strike against Yemen’s Houthi rebels. But due to a mix-up, Goldberg found himself included in this conversation, and the implications were staggering.

It all started when Goldberg received a connection request on the encrypted messaging app Signal from someone using the name Michael Waltz. Initially sceptical, he accepted the request, thinking it was from the actual Security Advisor. Two days later, he was added to a group chat titled Houthi PC Small Group. This was where the real shock began.

Within the chat, sensitive information about the planned attack was shared. On March 14, 2025, details such as the targets, weapons being deployed, and even the exact timing of the strikes were discussed. The operation, which was officially announced by President Donald Trump on March 15, had already been outlined in advance to Goldberg, hours before the strike even took place.

What followed was an unsettling display of national security protocol gone wrong. Officials discussed their frustrations about European countries' lack of involvement and openly debated the economic advantages of carrying out the strikes. When the operation went ahead as planned, celebratory messages filled the group chat, as if this breach was just another day at the office. But for Goldberg, the gravity of the situation quickly became clear. He removed himself from the group and reached out to the officials involved.

The incident has sparked outrage, with many calling for a full investigation into the breach. The fallout continues as calls grow for accountability and measures to prevent future security lapses. As for the U.S. government, while some officials have downplayed the issue, others, including Vice President Vance, are focusing on ensuring proper briefings for President Trump.

One thing is certain: this event highlights the potential dangers of even the smallest lapses in security and the delicate balance between secrecy and oversight in military operations.