In September, a military operation in the Caribbean Sea targeting an alleged drug-smuggling boat has raised significant controversy, particularly following a second strike. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated that there were no visible survivors before this follow-up strike.
Details of the Military Strike
On September 2, the US military conducted an initial strike on a boat suspected of drug trafficking. Hegseth, speaking at a White House Cabinet meeting, confirmed that he observed the first strike in real-time. However, he did not witness the subsequent action.
Defense Secretary’s Remarks
Hegseth described Admiral Frank Bradley, the mission commander, as having made the correct decision to execute the second strike. He justified the operation by asserting it was necessary to eliminate potential threats. “I did not personally see survivors,” Hegseth remarked, attributing this to the confusion often encountered in combat situations, referred to as the “fog of war.”
Calls for Accountability
The double-tap strike provoked calls for accountability. Some Democratic lawmakers and legal experts have described the event as potentially constituting a war crime. Senator Chris Van Hollen criticized Hegseth, suggesting his remarks show he is unfit for his position.
Controversy Surrounding the Second Strike
- Allegations suggest the second strike targeted survivors clinging to wreckage.
- The Pentagon’s guidelines explicitly prohibit firing on shipwrecked individuals.
- The Trump administration has engaged in military actions against at least 22 vessels.
- These operations have resulted in at least 83 fatalities, raising human rights concerns.
Response to Criticism
Hegseth has rejected media reports, labeling them as “fake news” and “fabricated.” Nevertheless, experts warn that these military actions might infringe upon international law, specifically regarding extrajudicial killings. The Trump administration has not provided evidence to substantiate claims about the vessels being involved in drug trafficking.
