Pentagon leader Pete Hegseth is facing mounting pressure and a potential congressional investigation following explosive allegations that he ordered a fatal follow-up strike on survivors of a US military operation in the Caribbean. The controversy deepened over the weekend when Hegseth responded to the claims by sharing an inflammatory meme featuring a children's book character.
Allegations of a Fatal Second Strike
The scandal erupted after a Washington Post report revealed details of a September operation targeting an alleged Venezuelan drug boat. According to the report, US forces initially targeted a crew of 11 suspected narco-terrorists. After the first strike, two survivors were visible clinging to the wreckage.
A source told the newspaper that Hegseth then gave a verbal directive to kill all remaining crew members during the operation, stating 'The order was to kill everybody.' A second strike was subsequently carried out on the defenseless survivors. This alleged action has prompted accusations of a potential war crime, sparking calls from Democrats and some Republicans for a full inquiry.
Bipartisan Backlash and Hegseth's Unusual Defence
The report has triggered significant bipartisan concern. A group of senators on the Armed Services Committee, including Mississippi Republican Senator Roger Wicker, vowed on Friday to launch 'vigorous oversight to determine the facts.' House Armed Services Committee leaders, GOP Rep. Mike Rogers and Democrat Rep. Adam Smith, also announced a joint investigation, stating they take the reports 'seriously.'
Hegseth vehemently denied the allegations, accusing the Washington Post of 'fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory reporting.' He insisted that 'Our current operations in the Caribbean are lawful under both U.S. and international law.'
However, his response took a bizarre turn when he posted a meme mocking the allegations. The image featured an edited version of a 'Franklin the Turtle' children's book, titled 'Franklin Targets Narco Terrorists,' showing the cartoon turtle firing a rocket launcher at a boat of drug smugglers. Hegseth captioned it, 'For your Christmas wish list...'
Political Fallout and Ongoing Scrutiny
President Donald Trump publicly defended Hegseth on Sunday, stating the Pentagon leader told him he 'did not order the death of those two men.' Trump said he believed Hegseth and vowed to 'look into' the matter, noting he would not have wanted a second strike.
This incident is set against the backdrop of a broader Trump administration campaign targeting alleged narco-terrorists. Over recent months, dozens of attacks in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific have killed over 80 people. Democrats have repeatedly questioned the legality of these strikes.
Despite the bipartisan calls for clarity, the Pentagon has not yet provided evidence to publicly substantiate claims that the boats involved were carrying drugs or were operated by terrorist groups. The forthcoming congressional investigations will now seek to establish the precise facts surrounding the deadly September operation and Hegseth's role in it.
