The acting Pentagon inspector general, Steven Stebbins, announced that an investigation has begun regarding discussions of strikes against Houthis in Yemen on the Signal messenger, Bloomberg reported.
According to Stebbins, the investigation was initiated in response to a request from lawmakers. Senators—Republican Roger Wicker and Democrat Jack Reed—have requested an examination of the "facts and circumstances" surrounding this matter.
Bloomberg emphasizes that such letters typically expedite the investigation process. After Donald Trump assumed the presidency in January, the previous inspector, Robert Storch, was removed from his position along with other inspectors.
According to a report by The Atlantic, senior officials in the Trump administration discussed military strikes against the Houthis on the Signal messenger on March 14. The chat included Pentagon chief Pat Shanahan and Vice President Jay Di Vance.
National Security Advisor Mike Volts stated that he initiated the chat and took responsibility for the information leak. Journalist Jeffrey Goldberg was invited to the chat on behalf of Volts.
Experts are sharply criticizing the discussion of state secret military plans on commercial messengers. This poses a threat to operational security and may violate the Espionage Act and regulations regarding the handling of government documents.
