The White House and the Pentagon are taking steps to distance themselves from the controversial military decision that some U.S. politicians argue might qualify as a war crime. Instead, they are attributing responsibility to the admiral who was in direct command of the operation.

The Pentagon chief defended the actions taken, saying he observed the first strike but did not personally witness any survivors. He justified the subsequent attack, asserting that sinking the boat was the right decision to eliminate a potential threat.

During a news conference, it was emphasized that the operations were conducted lawfully, adhering to both U.S. and international regulations, and were compliant with the laws governing armed conflict.

Wilson spoke to a friendly audience, with dozens of journalists who refused to sign a new restrictive Pentagon media policy earlier in the year barred from the event.