Hegseth Faces Rising Pressure as Questions Intensify Over Second Strike on Alleged Drug Boat
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is heavily criticized for a refusal to make an assurance that the video of the second drone strike on a drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean will be released. The uproar over legal, political, and humanitarian issues resulting from the incident in which several people were killed, has made bipartisan lawmakers call for transparency as a way to respond to the situation.
The shooting is reported to have taken place on September 2 when U.S. forces fired at a boat that was believed to be carrying narcotics. It was, without a doubt, confirmed that the first missile destroyed the vessel, and several people on board were killed. The problem is, however, that there is a dispute about the additionally firing that allegedly targeted those who escaped the water following the first explosion. The so-called "second strike" has led heated discussions of staff whether they followed engagement rules and international humanitarian law was obeyed.
During a recent media interaction, Hegseth mentioned that the Pentagon is still "reviewing the process" and will decide later if they want to release the video to the public. He pointed out that it was Admiral Frank Bradley, the mission commander, who under his operational authority, ordered the second strike. Hegseth also said that he "fully supports" the decision and that he would have done the same if he were in a similar situation.
Certainly, members of Congress who have had a chance to view the classified footage in a secure environment have described the incident as very disturbing. They call on the administration to make the video available to the public for them to hold those responsible accountable. On the other hand, some lawyers contend that the use of force against individuals who are helpless or are trying to recover in the water may be a breach of the rules of war.
While the Biden administration is vigorously pursuing its fight against supposed narco-terror operations, this event has pointed out the necessity of openness and more control. The Congress is going to hold hearings on this matter pretty soon, and hence, there is a growing demand for the Pentagon to clarify the situation and to react to the worries about the possible wrong use of deadly force.