Hegseth claims he didn't witness any survivors following initial Caribbean attack

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed reporters during a White House Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, stating he was unaware that a U.S. military operation in September targeting a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean resulted in survivors being killed in a subsequent strike. His comments followed a Washington Post report alleging that Hegseth had directed Adm. Frank M. "Mitch" Bradley and SEAL Team 6 under his command to eliminate everyone on the vessel, leaving no survivors. According to the report, an initial strike on September 2 left two individuals clinging to the wreckage, who were later killed by a follow-up strike. Legal experts and lawmakers have suggested such actions could amount to war crimes if the report is accurate.

I did not personally see any survivors, Hegseth said. The vessel was engulfed in flames, explosions, and smoke; visibility was impossible. This is the reality of combatthe so-called fog of war. The press often misinterprets these situations while sitting in comfortable offices or on Capitol Hill, sometimes spreading inaccurate stories.

During a September 3 Fox News interview, Hegseth confirmed he watched the September 2 strike live. It marked the first such strike against suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific Ocean, part of the Trump administrations counternarcotics initiatives. Speaking at Tuesdays Cabinet meeting, Hegseth clarified that he observed the initial strike and then departed for another engagement. Only a few hours later did he learn that Bradley had decided to sink the vessel to neutralize the threat.

Since the Washington Post article, both the White House and Hegseth have emphasized that Bradley bore responsibility for the follow-up action. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Bradley ordered the second strike and acted within his authority and the law. Hegseth also expressed support for Bradley on X, describing him as an American hero and standing by all his combat decisions, including the September 2 mission.

The New York Times published a report contradicting the Posts claims, indicating that Hegseth did issue a strike order but did not direct the killing of survivors. According to five officials consulted by the Times, Hegseths instructions did not address potential survivors, nor were they based on surveillance showing anyone clinging to the wreckage.

President Donald Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday that he was unaware of the second strike and would not have approved it. During the Cabinet meeting, Trump reiterated that neither he nor Hegseth knew about the follow-up attack. I havent received full information yet because I rely on Pete, Trump said. There was a strike, and the person in charge is extraordinaryPete was satisfied. He did not know about a second strike targeting two people.

Author: Sophia Brooks