In a Cabinet meeting on December 2, 2025, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended a controversial follow-up strike on a suspected drug-smuggling boat in the Caribbean, which occurred on September 2. This second strike was conducted after the initial hit and reportedly resulted in the deaths of survivors clinging to the wreckage. Hegseth, distancing himself from the decision, stated he had not seen any survivors and emphasized that the admiral in command had full authority. The Washington Post reported allegations that Hegseth may have issued a verbal order to “kill everybody” on the boat, which has led to congressional investigations.
Legal and military experts referred to the Pentagon’s manual, asserting that attacking shipwreck survivors infringes upon both peacetime and wartime laws. President Donald Trump claimed ignorance regarding the second strike, stating he relied on Hegseth for information. Nevertheless, the Trump administration contended that military commanders acted within their authority, with Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson asserting that such actions were sanctioned at the presidential level.
Navy Vice Adm. Frank “Mitch” Bradley, who ordered the second strike, is set to deliver a classified briefing to lawmakers to address the ethical and legal concerns raised by the operation, which has attracted bipartisan scrutiny. Lawmakers across the aisle have called for congressional reviews to ensure transparency and accountability.
This incident has intensified discussions regarding U.S. military operations, especially in relation to Venezuela, where Nicolás Maduro’s government is conducting its own investigation into the deaths of its nationals. The unfolding situation raises critical questions about rules of engagement and the conduct of military actions, emphasizing the difficulty of balancing international law with national security priorities.
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