Live updates: Republican lawmakers question Hegseth about Venezuela crisis and details of boat strike

Leaders of the House Armed Services Committee announced over the weekend that they are demanding a comprehensive review of a U.S. military operation that took place in early September targeting a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean. The move comes after reports claimed that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth instructed U.S. forces to "eliminate everyone" on the boat.

According to a report by The Washington Post on Friday, the initial strike on September 2 resulted in two survivors who were found clinging to the wreckage. The Special Operations commander overseeing the mission reportedly conducted a second strike to follow Hegseths alleged directive.

Hegseth responded later the same day, dismissing the report as "fake news" and affirming that U.S. military operations against suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific remain fully legal.

Lawmakers are expected to discuss the situation on Sunday morning programs, alongside recent concerns over a fatal shooting involving two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., earlier this week, which has unsettled officials nationwide. The incident has prompted a heightened federal law enforcement presence in the capital and has coincided with an escalation of President Trumps immigration enforcement measures.

Analysis: Military Operation and Controversial Directive

The recent controversy surrounding a U.S. military operation in the Caribbean has raised serious questions about the rules of engagement and the handling of suspected drug smuggling threats. Leaders of the House Armed Services Committee have called for a comprehensive review of the operation that took place in early September, following reports that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth allegedly instructed U.S. forces to "eliminate everyone" on a suspected drug-smuggling vessel. The operation, which resulted in a deadly strike on September 2, has now become a focal point for legal and ethical scrutiny.

The initial strike left two survivors clinging to the wreckage, suggesting that the operation’s execution may not have aligned with standard military protocols, especially regarding the treatment of individuals after an engagement. According to The Washington Post, a second strike was carried out under the directive of Hegseth, amplifying concerns about the scope and consequences of such an order. While Hegseth has since dismissed these claims as "fake news," his comments do little to ease the growing concerns about the military’s conduct in the operation.

The incident raises important questions about the boundaries of military power in counter-narcotics operations, particularly in international waters. Although Hegseth reaffirmed the legality of U.S. military operations in the Caribbean, the sequence of events challenges the transparency and accountability of such actions. Lawmakers are expected to address these concerns, and the scrutiny from both domestic and international observers is likely to continue as more details about the operation emerge.

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• Live updates: GOP lawmakers press Hegseth for Venezuela, boat strike details