US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has declined to commit to releasing video footage of a controversial military strike that targeted survivors of an initial attack on an alleged narcotics vessel in the Caribbean Sea.
Hegseth Evasive on Video Release Despite Trump's Support
During a defence forum at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library on Saturday, Hegseth was pressed repeatedly on whether the Pentagon would publish footage of the follow-up strike, which occurred on September 2. He stated, "We're reviewing the process, and we'll see." He added that any decision to release material would require a "very responsible" review.
This stance puts him at odds with President Donald Trump, who earlier last week said he would have "no problem" with releasing the video. "I don't know what they have, but whatever they have we'll certainly release," Trump told reporters.
Controversy Over the 'Double Tap' Strike and Broader Campaign
The operation in question has been described as a "double tap" strike. After an initial attack on the boat, a second strike was launched against two survivors seen clinging to the wreckage. A report in The Washington Post in late November, citing a source, claimed the order was to "kill everybody."
Hegseth has vehemently denied this characterisation. At the forum, he attacked the newspaper's reporting, saying, "Is anybody here from The Washington Post? I don't know where you get your sources but they suck." He insisted the narrative was "patently ridiculous" and meant to create a "cartoon" of his decisions.
He defended the officer in charge, Admiral Frank "Mitch" Bradley, stating he "made the right call" and acted lawfully. Admiral Bradley briefed lawmakers on Thursday, showing them the footage. Reactions were partisan: Democratic Rep. Jim Himes called it deeply troubling, while Republican Senator Tom Cotton labelled the strikes "righteous" and lawful.
The broader campaign of aerial attacks on suspected drug boats, which has killed at least 86 people, faces significant criticism from human rights groups and some lawmakers who deem it illegal. The Trump administration asserts it is acting within its authority to stem the flow of drugs into the US.
Hegseth signalled a continuation of the aggressive policy, stating, "We’ll keep killing them so long as they’re poisoning our people with narcotics." President Trump has suggested strikes could soon extend "on land too," with Venezuela a potential focus.
No Regrets Over Signal Controversy
Hegseth also addressed the separate "Signalgate" controversy from earlier in his tenure. A Defence Department inspector general report concluded that his use of a Signal chat to post details about a strike on Houthi rebels in Yemen may have endangered US personnel.
When asked if he would act differently today, the former Fox News anchor stated unequivocally, "I don't live with any regrets."
The twin controversies highlight the intense scrutiny on Hegseth's leadership and the administration's hardline approach to counter-narcotics operations, setting the stage for continued political and diplomatic friction.
