US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has stated that he “did not personally see any survivors” before a second, deadly strike was carried out on a suspected drug-trafficking boat in the Caribbean on 2 September. Reports indicate that two individuals survived the initial strike and were left clinging to the burning wreckage before the follow-up attack killed them.
The situation has raised serious questions about whether US forces may have violated international laws of armed conflict. Speaking during a White House cabinet meeting, Hegseth described the event as a product of the “fog of war,” saying the scene was chaotic and visibility extremely limited. He said he watched the first strike live but moved on to another meeting soon after.
Hegseth added that he learned a few hours later that Admiral Frank Bradley — then head of Joint Special Operations Command — had authorised the second strike. “We have his back,” Hegseth said, calling Bradley’s decision the “correct” one under the circumstances.
President Trump also defended Bradley but said the White House was not aware of the second attack at the time. However, Trump reiterated his desire to eliminate drug-running vessels, claiming the strikes have significantly cut maritime drug trafficking, though he did not provide evidence.
Since early September, more than 80 people have been killed in similar operations across the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific. Lawmakers from both parties have expressed concern, and the Senate Armed Services Committee has pledged a full investigation into what happened on 2 September. Admiral Bradley, who was promoted a month after the incident, is expected to testify on Capitol Hill this week.
Legal experts have raised doubts about whether the follow-up strike could be justified under international law. The Geneva Conventions prohibit intentionally targeting wounded fighters who are no longer a threat and require that they be captured and provided medical aid.
Meanwhile, the US has significantly expanded its military presence in the region. Trump has stated that the next phase may include “strikes on land” as part of what the administration describes as a strategy to protect American lives from drug trafficking.
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