U.S. Military Strikes Under Scrutiny After Controversial Operations

The U.S. military's recent strikes on alleged drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean have come under heavy scrutiny, particularly following a second missile strike that killed two survivors of an initial attack.

According to CBS News, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declined to confirm whether the Pentagon would release video footage of the September 2 operation, which resulted in the deaths of eleven individuals.

Hegseth stated that the follow-up strike was authorized by Navy Adm. Frank 'Mitch' Bradley, who leads Special Operations Command, but denied issuing a kill order for survivors. However, conflicting reports emerged, with sources indicating that the survivors were waving for help before the second strike, raising legal and ethical questions about the operation, with some experts suggesting that it could amount to a war crime.

The New York Times reported that top Democratic lawmakers, who viewed the footage, called for its release, arguing that it would provide transparency regarding the incident and counter claims that the survivors were engaged in hostilities.

Representative Adam Smith expressed skepticism about the narrative presented by Republicans, stating that the survivors were barely alive and not actively involved in any illegal activities. The strikes, part of a controversial series aimed at combating drug smuggling, have prompted discussions about the legal authority for such military actions, with critics arguing that they represent extrajudicial killings without congressional authorization.

Jeh C. Johnson, former Secretary of Homeland Security, highlighted the distinction in legal frameworks between counterterrorism operations and military strikes against drug trafficking, emphasizing that law enforcement should handle such cases rather than military force.

As the fallout continues, both parties are urging for clarity and accountability regarding the military's engagement in these operations.