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U.S. Military Maintains Silence on Yemen Airstrikes Amid Controversy

As U.S. airstrikes continue against Houthi rebels, the Pentagon faces criticism for a lack of transparency and a potential security breach involving top officials.

By Eric SchmittSource: nytimes.com1 min read
U.S. Military Maintains Silence on Yemen Airstrikes Amid Controversy
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In brief

Since March 15, the U.S. military has executed daily airstrikes targeting Houthi militia positions in Yemen, yet the Pentagon has withheld crucial information regarding the number of strikes and identified targets. This comes after an incident involving high-ranking officials in the Trump administration who reportedly shared sensitive mission details in a group chat, raising serious concerns about operational security.

The air campaign against the Iran-backed Houthis has been described as a series of targeted attacks that have reportedly destroyed significant military infrastructure. However, details remain scarce since the Pentagon last confirmed that over 30 targets were engaged on March 17. Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, publicly mentioned being inadvertently included in the discussion that potentially compromised American fighter pilots' safety. In response, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth downplayed the breach, insisting that no war plans were shared, despite the serious implications of the situation.A spokesperson from Central Command clarified that the ongoing air strikes have successfully impacted command-and-control facilities, air defense systems, and weapon manufacturing locations. Nevertheless, the lack of detailed updates continues to raise questions among lawmakers and the public regarding the operational choices and transparency of the military's actions in Yemen. The continued silence about the specifics of the strikes is not just a matter of protocol but also a reflection of growing tensions regarding U.S. military engagement strategies in the region. As this situation unfolds, more information from the Pentagon is eagerly awaited by observers and officials alike.

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