A US Navy admiral testified that Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth did not give the order to 'kill them all' during a controversial second US military strike on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean, according to multiple lawmakers. The affirmations by both Democratic and Republican lawmakers came after they viewed footage of the September 2 double-strike incident and heard from Adm Frank Bradley in private hearings.
The briefing highlighted ongoing concerns regarding the legality of the military force used against suspected drug boats. The White House stated that Adm Bradley was responsible for the strikes and acted within the law.
Democratic congressman Jim Himes remarked that Adm Bradley 'did the right thing,' although he found what he witnessed in the briefing deeply troubling. He emphasized that the individuals aboard the boat were not in a position to continue their mission.
After the closed-door session, Representative Adam Smith, alongside Himes, called for the public release of the footage, as they noted the briefing left them with 'more questions than answers.'
Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have expressed their concerns about the strikes, particularly the legality surrounding the targeting of survivors from the first strike. As investigations and debates continue, the ongoing military operations in the region remain under scrutiny, especially as they have reportedly led to over 80 fatalities.
In light of these developments, the international community observes closely as multiple experts have raised serious doubts regarding the legality of such military actions under international law.
The briefing highlighted ongoing concerns regarding the legality of the military force used against suspected drug boats. The White House stated that Adm Bradley was responsible for the strikes and acted within the law.
Democratic congressman Jim Himes remarked that Adm Bradley 'did the right thing,' although he found what he witnessed in the briefing deeply troubling. He emphasized that the individuals aboard the boat were not in a position to continue their mission.
After the closed-door session, Representative Adam Smith, alongside Himes, called for the public release of the footage, as they noted the briefing left them with 'more questions than answers.'
Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have expressed their concerns about the strikes, particularly the legality surrounding the targeting of survivors from the first strike. As investigations and debates continue, the ongoing military operations in the region remain under scrutiny, especially as they have reportedly led to over 80 fatalities.
In light of these developments, the international community observes closely as multiple experts have raised serious doubts regarding the legality of such military actions under international law.
