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.

Author: Sophia Brooks