Pete Hegseth denies he gave orders to ‘kill everybody’ on alleged ‘narco-boat’

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has publicly denied allegations that he ordered military strikes in the Caribbean that resulted in the deaths of all individuals on board alleged drug-trafficking boats, labeling the reports as 'fake news.' He asserted that the strikes were lawful under U.S. and international law and criticized the media for what he described as inflammatory reporting intended to undermine the military's reputation.
This denial is significant as it comes amidst heightened scrutiny of military operations targeting drug trafficking, particularly in light of ongoing debates about the legality and ethics of such strikes. Hegseth's defense aims to bolster the credibility of the U.S. military while addressing concerns raised by lawmakers and the public regarding the use of lethal force.
The controversy surrounding Hegseth's statements reflects broader tensions within U.S. military policy, particularly regarding the balance between aggressive counter-narcotics operations and adherence to legal and ethical standards. Additionally, the ongoing investigation into Senator Mark Kelly's comments about military orders adds another layer to the discourse on military accountability and the responsibilities of service members to refuse unlawful commands.

Pete Hegseth denies he gave orders to ‘kill everybody’ on alleged ‘narco-boat’