UPDATE: New reports confirm that U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing intense scrutiny following allegations he issued a verbal order to “kill everyone” during a September 2 naval strike on a suspected drug trafficking boat in the Caribbean Sea. This shocking revelation comes just weeks after Hegseth delivered a speech criticizing what he called “stupid rules of engagement,” igniting a firestorm of controversy.
In a speech to over 800 flag officers in September, Hegseth condemned the military’s physical fitness standards and diversity initiatives, but it was his comments on engagement rules that are now raising alarms. He declared, “We fight to win. We also don’t fight with stupid rules of engagement,” emphasizing a need for “maximum lethality” and “authority for war.” These remarks have resurfaced amid ongoing investigations into the September strike, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 80 people.
According to the Washington Post, U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Frank Bradley, the officer in charge of the Joint Operational Command, carried out Hegseth’s directive to eliminate two survivors from the initial strike, raising serious legal questions. Experts assert that this order could constitute a “war crime,” as it reflects an intention to show no quarter, which is illegal under U.S. federal law and international law regarding rules of armed conflict.
Todd Huntley, a former military lawyer, highlighted that Hegseth’s order, given there was no legitimate war or imminent threat posed by those on the boats, amounts to “murder.” The legal justification provided by the Trump administration—claiming a “non-international armed conflict” with designated terrorist organizations—has come under fire. Critics, including lawmakers from both parties, are demanding accountability regarding these strikes.
Since the September incident, the U.S. has conducted at least 22 additional strikes against suspected drug smuggling boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific Ocean. The Pentagon’s estimates indicate that these operations could lead to further casualties, sparking outrage and a call for a review of military engagement protocols.
As this situation develops, officials are expected to face mounting pressure to clarify the legality and ethical implications of Hegseth’s orders. The Pentagon has yet to respond to requests for comment on this urgent matter.
Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds, with implications not just for military operations but also for the legal and ethical standards governing armed conflict.
