In the heart of Washington, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently defended a controversial decision involving a military strike in the Caribbean Sea. The strike, aimed at a suspected drug-carrying vessel, has sparked debate due to its follow-up attack, which occurred earlier this year.
Addressing the issue during a cabinet meeting at the White House, Hegseth explained the circumstances surrounding the second strike launched in early September. He attributed the decision to the “fog of war,” noting that visibility was obscured by flames and chaos. Hegseth admitted he wasn’t aware of survivors in the water at the time of the second attack. Furthermore, he stated that he departed from the mission’s scene after the initial strike, entrusting the decision to proceed to the admiral in charge, who he believed acted correctly and within his authority.
The Washington Post brought the incident to public attention, reporting that Hegseth had verbally authorized the subsequent strike, which ultimately led to the deaths of the survivors on the vessel. In response, the White House affirmed that Navy Vice Adm. Frank “Mitch” Bradley’s actions were both lawful and within his jurisdiction.
In light of the incident, lawmakers have initiated congressional reviews concerning U.S. military operations targeting drug-smuggling vessels. Vice Adm. Bradley is scheduled to deliver a classified briefing to lawmakers responsible for military oversight. When questioned about the strike, President Donald Trump expressed limited knowledge of the specifics, stating his reliance on Hegseth for pertinent information.
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
