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Defense Secretary Addresses Controversial Anti-Drug Strikes

2025-12-07

The BareStory

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Saturday defended a series of U.S. military operations against alleged drug-smuggling vessels, including a September 2 missile attack in the Caribbean that involved two separate strikes. A second missile launch hours after the first killed two survivors, an event the White House has confirmed occurred.

According to Hegseth, he personally authorized the initial September 2 strike. He stated that a follow-up strike was ordered by Navy Adm. Frank "Mitch" Bradley, the head of Special Operations Command, and was within the admiral's authority. Hegseth denied he had ordered the second strike but said he fully supports it. The defense secretary also rejected what he called "patently ridiculous" reports that he had issued an order to kill everyone on the boat.

The September 2 incident was the first in a campaign that the Pentagon says has involved 22 vessel strikes in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, resulting in at least 87 deaths. The administration has not provided evidence that the targeted boats were trafficking drugs, and the second strike has drawn criticism, with some legal experts reportedly questioning if it constituted a war crime.

President Trump has indicated he would support releasing video footage of the incident, which was shown to lawmakers during a closed-door briefing. On Saturday, Hegseth said the release of the video remains "under review," citing concerns about exposing sources and methods. According to sources familiar with the video, two survivors were seen waving before the second missile hit. Hegseth stated that the strikes against "narco-terrorists" will continue, vowing that authorities would sink such boats and "continue killing the individuals on them."

Left Perspective

  • The military strikes are a justified and ongoing campaign against "narco-terrorists."
  • The controversial second strike was conducted within the proper chain of command.
  • The release of video evidence is being weighed against national security concerns.

Right Perspective

  • The second missile strike, which killed survivors, has raised serious legal questions.
  • The administration has not provided public evidence to justify its targeting.
  • The Defense Secretary has dismissed allegations of misconduct.

How it may affect me

As a U.S. reader:

• The debate over the legality of the strikes could lead to changes in policy and the rules of engagement for future U.S. military operations.

• The ongoing campaign against alleged "narco-terrorists" may affect the supply of illegal drugs entering the country, which has implications for public safety and health.

• A decision on whether to release video evidence could influence future standards for government transparency and accountability in military actions.

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