In brief
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended his order for a second strike on a drug-carrying boat in the Caribbean, citing the 'fog of war' as a reason for his decisions. Despite claims that survivors on board were ignored, Hegseth affirmed the authority of the admiral who executed the strike. This incident raises concerns that have prompted congressional reviews, and further discussions are expected in an upcoming classified briefing.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth cited the 'fog of war' in defending a follow-up strike on an alleged drug-carrying boat in the Caribbean Sea earlier this year. During Tuesday's cabinet meeting at the White House, Hegseth stated that he was unaware of survivors in the water when he ordered a second strike in early September, emphasizing that 'the thing was on fire.' He remarked that he 'didn't stick around' to see the mission's outcome after the first strike, claiming the admiral in charge had 'made the right call' in proceeding with the operation, asserting that the admiral acted with 'complete authority.' According to a report from The Washington Post, Hegseth gave a verbal order for the second strike, which unfortunately resulted in the deaths of survivors aboard the vessel. On Monday, the White House backed Navy Vice Admiral Frank 'Mitch' Bradley's decision, stating he operated 'within his authority and the law'. This incident has led lawmakers to initiate congressional reviews of U.S. military operations targeting vessels alleged to be involved in drug smuggling. Admiral Bradley is scheduled to provide a classified briefing to lawmakers on Thursday regarding the military's actions. When questioned about the justification for the second strike, President Donald Trump mentioned his limited knowledge of the situation, stating he 'didn’t know anything' and relied on Hegseth for information.
