Pentagon Watchdog Says Hegseth Risked Security by Using Signal for Strike Details
The Pentagon’s Inspector General found that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth endangered US personnel and missions by using the Signal messaging app to share sensitive information about a military strike on Yemen’s Houthi militants, according to officials familiar with the report.
While the review determined Hegseth did not improperly declassify information, it concluded he violated policy by using a personal device for official business and recommended better training for senior Defense Department officials.
Hegseth refused an interview with investigators but submitted a written statement claiming his communications were authorized and unclassified.
The findings add to mounting scrutiny over his conduct, following reports that he verbally ordered a controversial follow-up strike in the Caribbean that killed survivors of an initial attack.
Breaking news: The Pentagon’s top watchdog found that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth violated security protocols meant to protect U.S. troops by using a personal device to share sensitive operational details on the messaging app Signal. https://t.co/k3ARTYw8rp
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) December 3, 2025
The investigation revealed Hegseth shared detailed strike timings and target information in multiple Signal group chats, including one that accidentally included journalist Jeffrey Goldberg.
Signal is not approved for classified communications.
Lawmakers from both parties requested the probe, saying Hegseth’s actions could have jeopardized operational security and violated military standards. A redacted version of the report is expected to be released publicly later this week.
US Sanctions Venezuelan TV Star, Raises Bounty on Tren de Aragua Leader
The US on Wednesday imposed sanctions on alleged affiliates of Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang and raised the reward for one of its leaders to $5 million, intensifying efforts against the group recently designated a foreign terrorist organization.
The Treasury Department sanctioned Venezuelan entertainer Jimena Romina Araya Navarro, known as “Rosita,” accusing her of helping gang leader Hector Guerrero Flores escape from prison in 2012 and providing material support to the organization.
The State Department also increased the bounty for Giovanni Vicente Mosquera Serrano, a Tren de Aragua leader on the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)’s Ten Most Wanted List, who faces charges of international cocaine trafficking and providing material support to terrorism.
#BREAKING The @StateDept‘s Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program is now offering up to $5 MILLION for tips leading to the arrest of alleged Tren de Aragua (TdA) senior leader Giovanni Mosquera Serrano.
Send info to the FBI via WhatsApp or Telegram at +1 281-787-9939. pic.twitter.com/z91uppM1Va
— FBI Houston (@FBIHouston) December 3, 2025
The Trump administration blames the gang for fueling violence and drug trafficking in US cities and links it to broader anti-narcotics and immigration operations.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the US will continue to target the group’s financial networks and “keep American citizens safe.”
Trump Signs Law Quadrupling Medal of Honor Pensions for Recipients and Spouses
US President Donald Trump signed legislation this week increasing monthly pensions for Medal of Honor recipients and their surviving spouses from $1,489.73 to $5,625 — nearly a fourfold boost.
The bipartisan measure, introduced by Senator Ted Cruz and Representative Troy Nehls, raises the annual pension from about $18,000 to $67,500. Lawmakers said the increase better supports recipients who often travel to public events and educational programs rather than live in retirement.
Congress first authorized Medal of Honor pensions in 1916 at $10 per month, adjusting the rate several times since.
NATION’S GRATITUDE: President Trump signed the Medal of Honor Act, quadrupling the annual pension for America’s 63 living Medal of Honor recipients.
Their special payment jumps from $16,880 to roughly $67,500 annually — a move the White House says ensures these heroes are… pic.twitter.com/cvo2L9OeWr
— Fox News (@FoxNews) December 3, 2025
The Department of Veterans Affairs administers the benefit, which will continue to rise with inflation.
The Medal of Honor, created during the Civil War, has been awarded more than 3,500 times. Sixty-one recipients are still living today.
Nehls said the law ensures “these selfless warriors” receive the care and respect they deserve.
NATO Chief Urges Stronger Support for Ukraine to Counter Russian Sabotage
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on Wednesday called for greater military assistance to Ukraine as a response to suspected Russian sabotage efforts in Europe, including a recent explosion on a Polish train route used for arms deliveries.
Speaking after a meeting of alliance foreign ministers in Brussels, Rutte said strengthening the Prioritized Ukraine Requirement List (PURL)—a joint weapons procurement program—would signal to Moscow that such actions carry consequences.
Rutte said two-thirds of NATO’s 32 members have joined the initiative, which focuses on sending US-made weapons such as Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine.
Just concluded our meeting of Foreign Ministers
We face real & lasting dangers: Russia continues its brutal war against Ukraine & demonstrates increasingly reckless behaviour when it comes to NATO
This shows that we need to remain vigilant – NATO must & will continue to respond… pic.twitter.com/4l4mRmmlaB
— Mark Rutte (@SecGenNATO) December 3, 2025
Funding commitments under PURL have reached $4 billion, with expectations to hit $5 billion by year’s end. He urged greater burden-sharing among allies and noted that Australia and New Zealand are likely to join the effort.
While US Secretary of State Marco Rubio skipped the meeting to focus on peace negotiations, Rutte said Washington continues to keep NATO informed.
European officials suspect Russia is behind a growing sabotage campaign targeting infrastructure across the continent.
Germany Activates First Components of Israeli-Made Arrow 3 Missile Defense System
Germany inaugurated the first components of the Arrow 3 missile defense system on Wednesday at the Schönewalde base south of Berlin, marking a major step in strengthening its air defenses amid ongoing security concerns following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Israeli-built system, designed to intercept long-range ballistic missiles, will be expanded across multiple sites and integrated into NATO’s broader air defense network.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said Arrow 3 gives Germany its first early-warning and long-range protection capability, enhancing both national and European security.
Germany deploys Israeli-made Arrow air defense system near Berlin
Claims it can ‘detect and intercept’ ballistic missiles such as Russia’s ‘Oreshnik’
This is Arrow’s first deployment outside Israel https://t.co/D7KpvoTRWz pic.twitter.com/HsBpw2wqMf
— RT (@RT_com) December 3, 2025
Berlin purchased the system under a 3.8 billion euros ($4.4 billion) deal with Israel approved by the US in 2023, as the system was co-developed with Washington.
Israel Launches Airstrike in Gaza After Soldier Attack, Tests Fragile Ceasefire
Israel carried out an airstrike in southern Gaza late Wednesday in response to a militant attack earlier in the day that wounded five Israeli soldiers, its military said. The strike marks another challenge to the fragile US-brokered ceasefire that has mostly held since early October, despite repeated accusations of violations by both Israel and Hamas.
Israel also received the remains believed to belong to one of the last hostages still in Gaza earlier today and announced plans to allow some Palestinians to leave through the Rafah crossing with Egypt.
The crossing is set to open for medical evacuations under the ceasefire deal, though disagreements between Israel and Egypt over the return of access have delayed its implementation.
BREAKING 🔴
AP: An Israeli official says Israel will open the Rafah crossings for Gazans to leave if they choose, adding that if Egypt chooses not to receive them, that is Egypt’s issue. pic.twitter.com/DOJpp2EV2b
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) December 3, 2025
The ceasefire, which began in October, calls for the return of all hostages, prisoner exchanges, and eventual steps toward a stabilization force and technocratic Palestinian government.
The Gaza Health Ministry says more than 70,100 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began in October 2023, while Israel reports about 1,200 deaths from the initial Hamas attack that triggered the war.
Israel and Lebanon Hold Rare Talks on Hezbollah Truce and Border Security
Israel and Lebanon held rare negotiations this week to address tensions surrounding last year’s ceasefire with Hezbollah amid concerns the Iran-backed group is rearming.
The talks, overseen by a US-led truce committee in Beirut, included Lebanese envoy Simon Karam, Israeli National Security Council member Uri Resnick, and US representative Morgan Ortagus.
The meeting followed escalating Israeli strikes on Hezbollah targets, including the assassination of the group’s chief of staff in Beirut. Both sides described the session as constructive, agreeing to explore potential economic cooperation and continue discussions. Israel emphasized that Hezbollah’s disarmament is “obligatory.”
🇱🇧 🇮🇱 Lebanese and Israeli civilian representatives held their first direct talks in decades, part of a year-old ceasefire monitoring mechanism in the war with militant group Hezbollah, a source close to the talks told AFP.
➡️ https://t.co/oj8fs5lz5t pic.twitter.com/1fEc7WB6Ok
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) December 3, 2025
The 2024 truce required Lebanon to curb Hezbollah activity and deploy its army in the south, while Israel was to withdraw from remaining occupied outposts. Lebanon says it has seized weapons and tunnels, but Israel accuses it of acting too slowly.
Lebanon’s new US-backed leadership has committed to reestablishing state control over all armed groups, setting a 2025 deadline for Hezbollah’s disarmament—a move the militant group has rejected.
Houthis Release Mariners Held Since July Red Sea Ship Attack
Yemen’s Houthi rebels on Wednesday released crew members captured after their July attack on the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Eternity C in the Red Sea, which killed at least four sailors and sank the vessel.
The Iranian-backed group said the mariners were handed over to Oman, whose Royal Air Force jet was seen landing in and later departing from the Houthi-held capital, Sanaa. Oman has not yet confirmed the transfer as of writing.
The Philippines said nine of its citizens were among those freed, describing them as hostages held since the attack. The Houthis did not disclose the full list of nationalities. The July assault left 11 crew members missing and marked one of more than 100 Houthi strikes on international shipping during the Israel-Hamas war, which have killed at least nine mariners and sunk four ships.
Nine Filipino crew members of a cargo ship sunk by Yemen’s Huthis are set to be released by the Iran-backed group, Philippine authorities said on Tuesday. https://t.co/MnqAAz0fa4 pic.twitter.com/7ZjRntBD0l
— Arab News (@arabnews) December 2, 2025
The release comes amid a lull in Houthi attacks following the latest ceasefire in Gaza. The group had previously paused operations under a temporary truce before resuming them, prompting US airstrikes earlier this year.
Sources: News Agencies
—
** Editor’s Note: Thinking about subscribing to SOFREP? You can support Veteran Journalism & do it now for only $1 for your first year. Pull the trigger on this amazing offer HERE. – GDM
Evening Brief: Pilot Ejects Safely During F-16 Training Crash, NATO Chief Urges Stronger Support for Ukraine, Houthis Release Mariners Held Since July
F-16C jet crash, Pentagon scrutiny, new sanctions, and rising global security tensions. Here’s what’s making headlines this Wednesday evening.
Advertisement
