US defence secretary says he did not see survivors before follow-up strike on drug boat

December 2, 2025

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has defended a controversial second airstrike on a drug vessel in the Caribbean that killed two survivors from an initial attack on September 2nd. Hegseth claimed he did not witness survivors after watching the first strike live and attributed the incident to "fog of war," while confirming that Admiral Frank Bradley authorized the follow-up attack. The incident has raised concerns from both parties in Congress about potential violations of international laws protecting wounded combatants, prompting the Senate Armed Services Committee to launch an investigation.

Who is affected

Two survivors killed in the second strike on September 2nd
More than 80 people killed in similar strikes since early September
Admiral Frank Bradley, who authorized the second strike and is now commander of US Special Operations Command
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth
President Trump
Democratic and Republican lawmakers expressing concern
Senate Armed Services Committee conducting oversight

What action is being taken

The Senate Armed Services Committee is conducting "vigorous oversight" to determine what occurred
Admiral Bradley is expected to appear on Capitol Hill this week
The US has significantly expanded its military presence in the region since September 2nd

Why it matters

This incident matters because it raises serious questions about whether US military operations comply with international law, specifically the Geneva Convention's prohibition against intentionally targeting wounded combatants. The strike represents a potential violation of laws governing armed conflict that require wounded participants to be apprehended and given medical aid rather than killed. The controversy also highlights tensions between the administration's aggressive anti-drug trafficking approach and legal and ethical constraints on military force, with bipartisan congressional concern suggesting this could impact future military operations and US credibility in upholding international humanitarian law.

What's next

Admiral Bradley will appear on Capitol Hill this week
The Senate Armed Services Committee will continue its oversight investigation
President Trump has vowed to "start doing those strikes on land," indicating an expansion of military operations

Read full article from source: BBC