Hegseth criticizes report on boat strike affecting attack survivors and denies allegations of war crimes.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing serious allegations following a recent report suggesting he issued a directive for a second strike against a suspected drug trafficking vessel after an initial attack. According to sources cited by Media News Source, this second strike, ordered in September, allegedly aimed to eliminate two survivors of the first assault, raising questions about the legality and morality of Hegseth’s orders.

Reports indicate that on September 2, a missile strike targeted a vessel in the Caribbean Sea, which was suspected of carrying drugs. The aftermath of this strike reportedly included visual confirmation from military commanders who observed the boat ablaze via drone feeds. Despite the successful first strike, two individuals were seen clinging to the wreckage, prompting concerns over their fate. Sources assert that in response, Hegseth directed special operations commanders to ensure total annihilation of all persons on board, allegedly resulting in a follow-up strike that increased the death toll to 11.

This alleged “double-tap” strategy has sparked outrage among lawmakers and legal experts, who contend it may contravene the laws of armed conflict. Critics, including Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), have accused Hegseth of potentially issuing orders that lead to unlawful killings, arguing that targeting individuals who are no longer engaged in combat is a violation of international law.

In a public statement, Hegseth dismissed allegations of wrongdoing, characterizing the reports as fabrications intended to undermine U.S. military operations. He maintained that all actions taken by the military were legal under both domestic and international law, asserting that military protocols were followed in accordance with legal counsel throughout the operational chain.

Since the onset of these military actions against alleged drug traffickers on September 2, there have been at least 22 strikes resulting in over 80 fatalities attributed to individuals described as “narco-terrorists.” Hegseth emphasized that each target was linked to designated terrorist organizations and defended the operations as crucial steps to combat drug trafficking and its associated violence within the United States.

Moreover, recent comments from former President Donald Trump regarding military and judicial matters, including plans to pardon former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, further complicate the context of Hegseth’s current military campaign. Trump, championing a hardline approach to drug traffickers, positioned his administration’s policies as one of aggressive counteraction.

As this situation unfolds, the implications of Hegseth’s alleged orders and the broader legal debates surrounding them will remain a focal point for lawmakers, military officials, and legal experts alike. The ongoing scrutiny highlights the tension between national security measures and adherence to the rule of law in military operations.