Conflicts

Defense Secretary Addresses Controversial Anti-Drug Strikes

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Dec 7, 2025

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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."

Same Facts. Different Perspectives.

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Perspective by Grok

• The second missile strike, which killed survivors, has raised serious legal questions. An attack was launched hours after the initial strike on September 2, killing two survivors. Sources familiar with video of the incident reportedly said the two individuals were seen waving before the second missile hit, and some legal experts are said to be questioning if the act constituted a war crime.

• The administration has not provided public evidence to justify its targeting. The Pentagon campaign has involved 22 vessel strikes and resulted in at least 87 deaths. However, the administration has not offered evidence confirming that any of the targeted boats were engaged in drug trafficking.

• The Defense Secretary has dismissed allegations of misconduct. Secretary Hegseth rejected reports that he had issued an order to kill everyone on the boat, calling them "patently ridiculous." The White House has confirmed the second strike that killed survivors did occur, which the Defense Secretary defended.

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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