3 critical questions regarding the US boat strikes that tragically claimed survivors' lives.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and a senior military leader are under intense scrutiny for the September 2 incident in which U.S. forces killed survivors of an attack on a suspected drug-smuggling vessel, despite international laws requiring the rescue of those left alive in combat situations. The White House confirmed that a second strike was conducted on a boat already targeted in the Caribbean Sea, and multiple reports indicate that survivors from the first strike were killed. Critics argue this could constitute a war crime under the laws of armed conflict, which mandate care for wounded or shipwrecked personnel.

Hegseth defended the operation, claiming he monitored it in real time and that it was lawful, drawing on legal frameworks established during the war on terror, where the U.S. justified lethal force against those transporting weapons posing threats to American forces.

Senator Roger Wicker, Republican chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said investigators will review orders and footage to obtain the full facts. "We want to see beyond media reports," he stated.

1. What exactly did Hegseth order?

Lawmakers are seeking clarity on Hegseths original "execute order" and the intelligence supporting it. Reports claim Hegseth instructed that none of the 11 people on the boat survive. Following the first strike, which left two clinging to debris, Adm. Mitch Bradley reportedly authorized a second strike to fulfill Hegseths order. Hegseth denied the reports, labeling them false, and Pentagon officials have not clarified the contents of the initial order. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed the second strike but did not comment on the fate of the survivors.

2. Why did Adm. Bradley order additional strikes?

Adm. Bradley, a former Navy SEAL, is considered a highly experienced and respected commander. At the time of the September 2 operation, he had overseen numerous special operations missions in the Middle East and commanded the Joint Special Operations Command. Legal and former military experts note that any decision to strike again would have relied on Hegseths orders, intelligence assessments, and military legal counsel present during the operation. Hegseth himself said he observed the strike live and later supported Bradleys combat decisions. Bradley has not publicly commented but is expected to brief lawmakers.

3. Who was killed and did they pose a threat to the US?

Hegseth justified the action by comparing it to post-9/11 military operations targeting individuals transporting weapons that threatened U.S. forces. Earlier statements by former President Trump equated drug smugglers with terrorists, labeling some cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. Legal analysts challenge this comparison and note that Congress has not authorized lethal action against drug traffickers. The identities of those on the boat and the threat they posed are under review by intelligence officials and lawmakers, including Rep. Jim Himes. Senator Thom Tillis emphasized accountability, warning that if the orders are confirmed, those responsible must be removed from office.

Author: Jackson Miller