Defense Secretary Hegseth on Boat Strike: 'Fog of War' and Commander's Decision

Defense Secretary's Account of the Strike

• 🎯 Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated he watched the first US strike on an alleged drug-smuggling boat in real time.
• 🌫️ He claimed he did not see any survivors in the water or witness the second lethal strike, describing it as occurring within the 'fog of war.'

Defense of the Follow-Up Strike

• 🛡️ Hegseth defended the follow-up strike, asserting that Admiral Frank Bradley, who leads US Special Operations Command, made the correct decision to sink the boat and eliminate the threat.
• 🤝 He emphasized that the commander had complete authority and that the administration has his back.

Scrutiny and Official Statements

• 🏛️ The second strike faces bipartisan scrutiny in Congress regarding the legality of the administration's actions.
• ❓ Two US officials told Reuters that Hegseth had ordered lethal strikes on drug vessels but did not confirm his involvement in the decision for the second strike, noting operational control was handed to Admiral Bradley.
• 📄 The White House confirmed that Admiral Bradley had authorization for the second strike.

Report on Commander's Orders

• 📰 A Washington Post report indicated that the commander overseeing the operation ordered the second strike to eliminate the two survivors to comply with a directive that 'everyone be killed.'
• 🗣️ Former President Trump stated he was unaware of the second strike and would not have wanted it, though he largely voiced support for the overall action.