Military Operation in the Caribbean Raises Controversy
On September 2, Army Secretary Pete Hegseth issued an order for a military strike on a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean. However, a recent report indicates he did not specify how to handle survivors from the attack.
The New York Times reported that Hegseth’s initial directive aimed to obliterate the ship along with its cargo and all individuals aboard, but it lacked clarity on the fate of any survivors.
Admiral Frank Bradley, who leads U.S. Special Operations Command, approved both the first strike and additional actions that resulted in the deaths of eleven people.
According to the Washington Post, a secondary attack—which targeted two survivors from the first strike—was a direct response to Hegseth’s orders to “kill everyone” on the vessel.
Sources from the Times assert that Hegseth did not give explicit instructions to Bradley during the operation and was unaware that individuals were clinging to the wreckage as events unfolded.
White House press secretary Caroline Leavitt stated, “President Trump and Secretary Hegseth have made it clear that narco-terrorist organizations identified by the President will be subject to lethal targeting in line with international law of war.” She emphasized that Hegseth had authorized Admiral Bradley for these operations.
Leavitt also remarked that Bradley acted within his legal authority to eliminate the threat posed by the vessel.
Trump, while returning to Washington from Mar-a-Lago, commented on the matter, saying, “Mr. Pete said he did not order those two people killed, and I believe him.”
Investigations into the September 2 strike have been initiated by the Republican-led House and Senate Armed Services Committees. Some lawmakers have expressed concerns that the orders may constitute a war crime if survivors were intentionally targeted.
Former U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), pointed out that typically, individuals who survive a ship attack are no longer considered combatants. He added, “I don’t know what the facts are, but that’s the general law. We’ll see what the facts are.”
