Hegseth defends strikes after WaPo ‘kill everybody’ story: ‘Fake news’

Several lawmakers are demanding accountability from the Trump administration following reports of a second U.S. military strike on a vessel accused of drug trafficking off the coast of Venezuela. This incident, which occurred on September 2, has raised concerns about potential war crimes and the legality of such military actions.

Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio) stated that a second U.S. military strike on survivors of an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean would be an illegal act, following reports of such an action. He emphasized the need for adherence to legal standards in military operations during an interview on CBS News’s 'Face the Nation.'

Senator Mark Kelly publicly criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as 'unqualified' during a recent statement, asserting that former President Donald Trump does not comprehend the Constitution. This criticism follows a video in which Kelly and other Democratic lawmakers encouraged military personnel to defy illegal orders, prompting an investigation by the Defense Department into Kelly's conduct.

The House Armed Services Committee is demanding a comprehensive investigation into a U.S. military strike on a suspected drug-trafficking boat in the Caribbean, following allegations that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered troops to 'kill everybody' on board. This incident, which occurred in early September, has raised serious concerns regarding military engagement rules and accountability.

The U.S. military is shifting its focus southward, prompting the defense industry to adapt existing technologies, such as drones and AI platforms, for operations against narco-terrorism. This strategic pivot indicates a new phase in U.S. military engagement, particularly in addressing drug-related violence and organized crime.

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.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth defended the Trump administration's military strikes against alleged drug traffickers in the Caribbean, asserting that the Biden administration has been lenient towards terrorists while the Trump administration took decisive action. Hegseth's comments highlight a stark contrast in approaches to national security and drug trafficking.

War Secretary Pete Hegseth and his wife Jennifer celebrated Thanksgiving by serving meals to U.S. Navy sailors involved in the Southern Spear mission, which targets narco-terror networks in Latin America. This event underscores the commitment of U.S. officials to support military personnel deployed abroad during significant holidays.