Recently released messages from a Signal group chat involving top security officials in the Trump administration have revealed plans for military strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. The Atlantic published a more extensive transcript of the chat, which included details about the timing of the strikes.
The disclosure has prompted calls from Democratic lawmakers for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to resign, citing reckless behavior that could jeopardize American troops. Hegseth, however, maintained that the shared information did not constitute “war plans.”
During a congressional hearing, national intelligence director Tulsi Gabbard and CIA head John Ratcliffe faced significant scrutiny regarding the leaked information. Hegseth did not apologize for the incident, with White House correspondent David Sanger noting that while the exchanges did not technically contain war plans, the detailed descriptions could have posed risks if the chat had been leaked, potentially alerting the Houthis.
In Sudan, military chief Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan announced that the Rapid Support Forces (R.S.F.) had largely retreated from Khartoum, which they had occupied since the onset of civil war nearly two years ago. Al-Burhan's forces captured a significant R.S.F. base and are pursuing the remaining fighters. The conflict has resulted in an estimated 150,000 deaths and displaced over 13 million people.
Analysts suggest that the R.S.F. may regroup in Darfur, where they plan to establish a parallel government and continue their fight.
In South Korea, wildfires have resulted in at least 24 fatalities and numerous injuries, with the acting president indicating that the situation may be the worst on record. Fire crews are battling nearly 30 fires, with eight still active. The fires, which began in the southeast, have scorched tens of thousands of acres and led to the evacuation of over 27,000 individuals, including those from a UNESCO World Heritage site.
In other news, Oleg Gordievsky, a former top K.G.B. agent who defected to become a double agent for British intelligence, has passed away at the age of 86.
In the entertainment industry, the K-pop girl group NewJeans is currently engaged in a legal battle with their label over contract issues and their desire to change the group's name. Despite being forced to perform under their current name, the group's members have expressed their defiance through their performance choices and announced a hiatus until their legal matters are resolved.
For those looking for recommendations, a puttanesca sauce recipe is available for quick meals, while the animated series "Common Side Effects" is suggested for viewing. New music from various artists is also highlighted, along with advice on safely incorporating strength training to alleviate chronic knee pain.
This concludes today's briefing. Feedback is welcomed via email.