Republican senators request explanations from Hegseth and the Pentagon regarding the targeting of survivors of boat strikes

Several Republican senators are pressing for answers regarding the Pentagon's decision to conduct a secondary strike targeting survivors of a missile attack on a suspected Venezuelan drug vessel on September 2, an action that could violate international law.

Lawmakers voiced concern that attacking defenseless individuals in the water goes against the United States established rules of engagement. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) emphasized the need to establish the facts first. He noted that Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) will play a key role in questioning officials during oversight hearings, pledging vigorous review of the operations.

Rounds, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, suggested the targeting of survivors may breach international law. We need to see the relevant military codes and verify the details, he said.

Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) stressed caution, noting that targeting survivors under international law would be inappropriate. Similarly, Senator Jim Justice (R-W.Va.) called the idea of striking defenseless individuals unacceptable, though he supported broader efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking.

The senators pressed for timely explanations from the administration about the September 2 incident. Justice urged that accountability be established quickly, stating, The sooner, the better. We need clarity on this double-strike situation.

Navy Admiral Frank Bradley, who was authorized by Hegseth to oversee the mission, is scheduled to provide a classified briefing to Republican and Democratic leaders of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees. Hegseth stated that he did not witness the follow-up strike and attributed the decision to Bradley, supporting the admirals judgment to neutralize the vessel.

Reports from The Washington Post and The New York Times indicated that Bradley carried out a second strike on initial survivors to ensure the threat was eliminated, following Hegseths directive. Five anonymous U.S. officials confirmed these details to the Times.

Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) labeled the secondary strike a mistake and called for accountability, emphasizing that it violated ethical and legal standards. He urged the Secretary of Defense to oversee decisions on follow-up strikes involving survivors from Venezuelan boats.

Supporters of former President Trump defended his authority as commander in chief to target narco-terrorist operations in the Caribbean. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) argued that Hegseth and Trump acted within their constitutional powers and dismissed calls for investigating the follow-up strike as politically motivated.

The Republican leadership faces a decision on whether Hegseth should testify before the Armed Services Committee. Senator Jack Reed (R.I.), the panels ranking Democrat, suggested Hegseth may testify later, following Bradleys briefing. Other senators expressed support for Trumps anti-drug initiatives but remained cautious about defending Hegseth amid past controversies.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) did not explicitly endorse Hegseths performance but asserted that the country is safer under Trumps leadership. He confirmed that the Armed Services Committee will investigate the events in the Caribbean to obtain the facts.

Author: Ethan Caldwell