US Defense Secretary Under Fire for Leaking Yemen Military Plans in Secure Chat

The National Security Council (NSC) has launched an investigation after US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly leaked classified military plans for strikes in Yemen through a secure messaging app, raising serious concerns over national security breaches.

According to The Atlantic, the leaked information included details about planned airstrikes against Iran-backed Houthi targets, attack sequencing, and UK military involvement. The data was allegedly shared in a Signal group chat that mistakenly included The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg. Just two hours after receiving the leaked details, the UK launched its airstrikes in Yemen.

The NSC has acknowledged the authenticity of the leak and is now probing how a journalist’s number was added to the chat. Signal, a widely used encrypted messaging app, is not classified and remains vulnerable to breaches.

The controversy comes amid a crackdown on unauthorized disclosures, with Hegseth’s office recently proposing polygraph tests to prevent further leaks. Despite these measures, the latest revelation has sparked questions about security protocols within the highest levels of the US government.

Neither the Pentagon nor the Defense Secretary’s office has provided immediate comments on the situation. However, analysts warn that the exposure of operational military plans could compromise future missions and diplomatic relations.

The NSC’s investigation is expected to determine whether the leak was an accident or a serious lapse in security, potentially leading to consequences for those involved.