1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

This outrageous breach of operational security and cavalier sharing of classified military plans through unsecured channels is unconscionable and a direct threat to American lives. Revealing in advance the targets, weapons, and sequencing of strikes against Yemen's Houthi rebels not only flagrantly violated protocols safeguarding classified information, but provided potential adversaries a strategic advantage to thwart the operation and endanger U.S. personnel. That senior administration officials engaged in such reckless behavior demonstrates a staggering disregard for national security in favor of freewheeling discussion. An immediate and thorough investigation must be launched to identify all culpable parties and hold them legally accountable, potentially including criminal charges for compromising secure information. Security clearances must be revoked, firings enacted, and comprehensive retraining programs instituted to prevent any possibility of a recurrence that could cost American lives. This administration's dereliction in upholding even basic operational security cannot be tolerated.