US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has stated he did not personally see survivors before a fatal follow-up strike targeted an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean. Reports indicate the initial strike left two individuals clinging to the burning vessel but a subsequent strike ordered by US Navy admiral Frank Bradley allegedly resulted in their deaths.
The incident, which occurred on September 2, has raised significant concerns regarding potential violations of international law pertaining to armed conflict. During a cabinet meeting at the White House, Hegseth described the situation as an example of the fog of war, where chaos can obscure critical observations.
According to Hegseth, he was observing the first strike live but quickly transitioned to another meeting. I did not personally see survivors, he remarked, elaborating that the explosion rendered visibility nearly impossible.
He later learned of Admiral Bradley's decision to order the second strike and emphasized support for the admiral's actions following the chaotic event. President Trump also backed the Navy's choices while distancing himself from the second strike, stating, we didn't know about that decision.
Since early September, over 80 fatalities have been reported from similar strikes aimed at combatting drug trafficking across the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, a move the Trump administration defends as essential for protecting American lives from narcotics. However, bipartisan unease has emerged amongst US lawmakers regarding the legality and consequences of the follow-up strike, prompting calls for thorough oversight.
Admiral Bradley, who commanded US military's Joint Special Operations Command during the incident and has since been promoted, is scheduled to appear before Congress this week. Experts express skepticism about the legality of such military actions, pointing to the Geneva Convention provisions against targeting injured combatants without offering medical aid.
Following this incident, the US military has expanded its regional presence, with Trump reiterating intentions to conduct additional strikes on land.
