In a recent series of messages shared within a Signal group chat, notable figures including Fox News host Pete Hegseth and Vice President JD Vance discussed military operations against the Houthis, an Iran-backed militant group. These exchanges were initially reported by The Atlantic, revealing a timeline of airstrikes and strategies that raised eyebrows regarding operational security (OPSEC) and the sharing of sensitive information.
The messages detailed a precise timeline for the military operations, starting with Hegseth’s statement at 12:15 PM: “F-18s LAUNCH (1st strike package).” He followed up with updates at 1:45 PM, indicating the initiation of a “Trigger Based” F-18 strike window, with targets pre-identified by intelligence. By 2:10 PM, additional F-18s were launched, and by 2:15 PM, strike drones were en route to their targets. Hegseth noted that this was the moment when the first bombs were expected to drop, contingent on prior trigger-based targets.
Further updates from Hegseth included the launch of a second strike package at 3:36 PM, which also saw the deployment of sea-based Tomahawk missiles. His final message hinted at more information to come, reinforcing the ongoing military efforts while assuring that they were “clean on OPSEC.” In a show of solidarity, Hegseth concluded with a heartfelt message: “Godspeed to our Warriors.”
The conversation drew attention not only for its military content but also for the presence of high-profile officials. Vice President Vance responded with, “I will say a prayer for victory,” underscoring the seriousness of the operations. The Signal group chat reportedly included Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, among others, revealing insights into the Pentagon’s strategy.
The Atlantic’s initial report provided a general overview but withheld specific operational details due to concerns about compromising U.S. personnel safety. However, as the narrative evolved, editor Jeffrey Goldberg decided to release the full chat after top officials, including former President Donald Trump, dismissed the leak as non-classified.
Hegseth, currently stationed in the Indo-Pacific, responded to inquiries about the potential classification of the group chat, asserting, “Nobody was texting war plans.” He further criticized Goldberg, labeling him a “deceitful” journalist and dismissing the implications of the shared messages. In a joint statement, Goldberg and Atlantic staff writer Shane Harris highlighted the public interest in revealing the communications, especially as they pertained to non-secure channels used by administration officials.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed that no classified information was disclosed during these exchanges but expressed the administration's objection to the publication of the chat. Notably, the name of Ratcliffe’s chief of staff remained withheld at the CIA’s request, emphasizing the agency's tradition of not publicly identifying intelligence officers.
As the situation unfolded, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz shared real-time intelligence within the chat, indicating the successful identification of high-value targets. His messages revealed the dynamics of the military operation, including the collapse of a building where a target was located and the confirmation of his identity.
Vice President Vance’s moment of confusion led to a rapid exchange of messages, with Waltz updating him on the status of the strike. Hegseth later indicated that additional strikes were planned for the night, affirming the effectiveness of CENTCOM operations.
As the fallout from the Signal chat continues, it’s crucial to note that while Signal is designed for secure communications, it is not approved for classified information and can be susceptible to hacking. The Defense Department had previously warned personnel about potential vulnerabilities, particularly concerning Russian attempts to breach the app.
This incident has sparked ongoing discussions about the integrity of communication channels used by top officials and the implications for national security. As the situation develops, further updates are expected regarding both the military operations and the ramifications of the Signal leak.
