“Uh… wrong chat?” 😳Accidental Group Chat Exposes Military Mission in Yemen to Random Journalist Via iMessage

A group chat meant for top military officials to coordinate Houthi bomb drops in Yemen accidentally included The Atlantic’s Editor-in-Chief, Jeffrey Goldberg. Instead of removing him, the officials treated it casually, with one even sending a cartoon bomb GIF. Goldberg’s confusion led to awkward exchanges until he eventually left. The real fallout? Figuring out how to remove someone from an iMessage group.

In what can only be described as the most awkward group text of the year, the chat, which was apparently created to coordinate minute-to-minute updates on Houthi bombs being dropped in Yemen, turned into a comedic disaster as Goldberg’s responses quickly revealed he was not supposed to be there.

For context, Yemen has been embroiled in a brutal civil war for nearly a decade, with foreign powers conducting airstrikes and military interventions. The U.S. has long been involved in supplying intelligence and logistical support — but apparently also in sharing war updates over iMessage.

“Uh… wrong chat?” Goldberg texted after someone posted, “l just hit the target. Boom.”

Rather than removing him, the officials doubled down, assuming Goldberg was just there for morale support. “Glad to have media on board!” one general wrote, adding a thumbs-up emoji. Goldberg, confused but intrigued, replied, “So… uh… how’s it going over there?”

Things escalated when one officer accidentally sent a GIF of a cartoon bomb exploding with the caption, “KABOOM, BABY!” Goldberg responded, “Is this an official communication?” to which another officer replied, “Depends – are you asking off the record?”

After five more updates (and an ill-timed meme), Goldberg politely excused himself from the chat. A follow-up report confirmed that the military’s biggest takeaway wasn’t the strategic success—it was figuring out how to remove someone from an iMessage group.

Potential Legal Fallout

Leaking classified military information, even accidentally, carries serious legal consequences. Under the Espionage Act, unauthorized disclosure of sensitive military operations could lead to felony charges, including imprisonment and hefty fines. If proven intentional, the individuals involved could face court-martial and long-term repercussions for compromising national security.