Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently faced questions about whether the Pentagon will release video from a controversial military operation in early September. This mission aimed at a boat suspected of drug smuggling in the Caribbean ended with eleven people killed. Critics have raised concerns, especially after it was revealed that a second missile reportedly targeted survivors of the initial attack.
Hegseth responded cautiously during a defense forum. He mentioned, “We’re reviewing the process, and we’ll see,” emphasizing the need for a responsible review before any information is shared. The White House confirmed the second missile strike but denied that Hegseth himself ordered it. Instead, he pointed to Navy Adm. Frank “Mitch” Bradley, who led the mission, as having made that decision.
Congressional lawmakers were briefed privately on the incident. Afterward, both Republican and Democratic leaders said Bradley indicated he hadn’t received instructions to leave no survivors. An earlier report quoted a source claiming Hegseth had ordered that everyone on the boat be killed. Hegseth strongly denied this, calling the idea absurd and stating, “You don’t walk in and say ‘Kill them all.'”
Footage shown to lawmakers revealed that two survivors appeared to be waving for help just before the second missile struck. Legal experts have questioned whether this action could be seen as a war crime, given that it involved targeting individuals attempting to escape.
These strikes were part of a broader series of military operations. Since September, they have resulted in at least 87 fatalities in 22 separate incidents. The Pentagon has not provided evidence that these boats were engaged in drug trafficking, only releasing basic video footage and descriptions.
Former President Trump has expressed his support for releasing all available footage from the strikes, urging transparency. However, Hegseth remained ambiguous regarding timelines for the video’s release, stating only, “We are reviewing it right now.”
The Pentagon’s focus on combating drug trafficking through military means raises significant questions. Are these missions effective and justifiable? According to a recent survey by the American Psychological Association, public opinion is increasingly divided on the use of military force in combating drugs, with some believing it exacerbates violence without addressing the root causes of addiction.
In summary, while Hegseth insists on the necessity of these operations to protect against drug-related threats, the integrity of each action is under scrutiny. As the Pentagon continues to navigate these complex issues, public support and legal ramifications will likely play pivotal roles in shaping future military policy.
For more information, you can read this article from CBS News.
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Venezuela, Pete Hegseth, Latin America
