On Saturday, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth addressed the contentious September 2 strike on survivors of an initial U.S. military attack targeting an alleged drug boat. Speaking at the Reagan National Defense Forum in a conversation with Fox News correspondent Lucas Y. Tomlinson, Hegseth expressed his unwavering support for the decision made during that critical operation.
During the discussion, Hegseth revealed that he had left the room after the first strike and before the order for the second strike was issued. He stated, “A couple of hours later, after moving on, I was informed that there had to be a re-attack because there were a couple of individuals who could still be in the fight.” He explained that the circumstances warranted a follow-up strike due to the potential threat posed by the survivors, who had access to radios and were in contact with another boat involved in the drug operation.
On September 2, the U.S. military conducted two strikes against a boat that the Trump administration accused of transporting illegal drugs. According to a U.S. official and sources familiar with the Pentagon’s actions, the second strike resulted in the deaths of two survivors from the initial attack. Hegseth reiterated his belief in the legitimacy of the strike, stating, “From what I understood then and what I understand now, I fully support that strike. I would have made the same call myself.” He emphasized that military personnel who have served in conflict zones like Iraq and Afghanistan are familiar with the practices of re-attacking combatants on the battlefield.
When questioned about the potential release of video footage from the September 2 operation, Hegseth confirmed that the Department of Defense is currently reviewing the material. “We’re reviewing the video right now to ensure sources and methods are protected,” he explained. “Whatever we decide to release must be handled responsibly, as this is an ongoing operation.”
In light of allegations regarding a directive to kill all individuals on board the boat, Hegseth firmly denied having issued any such command. He described the notion as “patently ridiculous,” aimed at misrepresenting his decision-making process. Additionally, President Donald Trump and the White House have publicly supported Hegseth, clarifying that he did not order the second strike.
The second strike has raised concerns regarding compliance with international law, particularly around the legality of targeting survivors. Reports from NBC News indicated that Adm. Frank “Mitch” Bradley informed lawmakers that Hegseth ordered the strike to eliminate all 11 individuals on the boat, who were identified as narco-terrorists by U.S. intelligence. It is important to note that while orders to eliminate targets on a list are permissible, a “no quarter” order—which directs the killing of all enemy combatants without mercy—is illegal under both U.S. and international law.
In a Congressional briefing, Bradley confirmed that he was not given a no quarter order and would have refused to follow one if it had been issued. An administration official reiterated that a uniformed Judge Advocate General (JAG) provided legal advice throughout the operation, ensuring compliance with legal standards. Since the beginning of the Trump administration, there have been at least 22 strikes on alleged drug boats, resulting in the deaths of 86 individuals. However, the administration has yet to provide evidence substantiating its claims regarding the boats, the individuals onboard, or the cargo involved.