Hegseth supports the leader’s ‘military choices’ in fatal Caribbean operation

Military Commanders Face Scrutiny Over Caribbean Airstrike

Army Secretary Pete Hegseth affirmed his backing for the military commanders responsible for a fatal airstrike targeting a suspected drug trafficking vessel in the Caribbean on September 2. This comes as Congress gears up for a classified discussion on the matter later this week.

His remarks followed a report from The Washington Post, which claimed Hegseth had issued orders to eliminate the entire crew of the suspected drug boat during the operation. The paper also mentioned that a subsequent attack was executed to take out any survivors aboard.

This second strike was reportedly authorized by Hegseth and executed under the direction of Admiral Frank Bradley, head of U.S. Special Operations Command, who at that time was leading the Joint Special Operations Command.

“To be clear, Admiral Mitch Bradley is an American hero, a true professional. I stand fully behind him and the combat decisions made during the September 2 mission and every mission after that,” Hegseth stated in a message on X.

President Trump has expressed his full confidence in Hegseth, denying allegations surrounding the Venezuelan drug boat incident.

Hegseth emphasized, “America is fortunate to have heroes like this protecting us.” He added that the War Department genuinely stands behind its warriors.

According to the Associated Press, Admiral Bradley is scheduled to brief lawmakers on the incident this Thursday.

White House spokesperson Caroline Levitt commented on Monday that the airstrike was executed in “self-defense,” following the laws of armed conflict in international waters.

“On September 2, Secretary Hegseth permitted Admiral Bradley to carry out these strikes,” Levitt said. “Admiral Bradley acted within his legal authority, targeting the boat to neutralize the threat to the U.S.”

When questioned about Hegseth’s alleged directives, Levitt denied claims that Hegseth had ordered for all individuals on board to be killed. She reiterated the president’s stance that he has the authority to act decisively against narco-terrorists threatening the U.S.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune mentioned that both chambers of Congress will look into the events surrounding the airstrike. He noted, “I think it’s premature to jump to conclusions until we know all the facts. Let’s see where the investigation leads.”

Senator Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, assured that the investigation would be thorough. Meanwhile, the committee’s ranking Democrat, Senator Jack Reed, has requested the Trump administration release the airstrike’s video footage, emphasizing the need for clarity on what transpired.

“If they did nothing wrong, that video should clear them completely. So, why wouldn’t it be released?” he questioned.

In the House, Representative Mike Rogers, chair of the Armed Services Committee, stated he had finished discussions with Hegseth about the airstrike but wanted more insights from Bradley.