Hegseth admits he overlooked survivors in boat collision as criticism grows

Dec. 3 (UPI) U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated on Tuesday that he did not observe any survivors following a military strike on a vessel suspected of carrying drugs. He added that it took a few hours before he became aware of a second deadly strike targeting the same boat.

Addressing reporters during a cabinet meeting, Hegseth emphasized that he was not directly involved in the decision that resulted in the deaths of the two individuals left floating in the water alongside the wreckage. The attack has sparked allegations of war crimes and drawn attention from lawmakers across party lines.

Hegseth defended the operation, saying he monitored the strike remotely and did not see anyone survive due to smoke and flames, describing the confusion as part of "the fog of war." He also praised Adm. Frank M. Bradley, who oversaw the strike, asserting that the final decision to sink the vessel and neutralize the threat was appropriate. Hegseth noted that operations against suspected drug traffickers were just beginning.

Since September, the U.S. government has carried out 21 strikes on boats suspected of transporting narcotics into the country, resulting in more than 80 fatalities. Both President Donald Trump and Hegseth have defended the operations as defensive measures against "narcoterrorists" attempting to bring harmful drugs into the United States.

Critics argue that the attacks constitute extrajudicial killings, denying those on board the right to due process. Volker Turk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, has stated that such actions breach international law.

During the cabinet briefing, Hegseth refuted reports claiming he had instructed military personnel to "kill everybody" on the boat. The strike ultimately resulted in 11 deaths.

In response, the Senate Armed Services Committee has requested a hearing on the matter, with bipartisan backing from Republican Sen. Roger Wicker and Democratic Sen. Jack Reed. Similarly, the House Armed Services Committee has announced plans for close oversight of the operations, supported by Republican Rep. Mike Rogers and Democratic Rep. Adam Smith.

Author: Sophia Brooks