HEGSETH says he won't publicly release video of boat strike that killed survivors in the Caribbean

Wednesday, December 17, 2025 -U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Tuesday that the Pentagon will not publicly release the unedited video of a controversial military strike in the Caribbean that killed two survivors of an earlier attack on a boat allegedly carrying cocaine. 

Hegseth told reporters after a closed‑door briefing with senators that the footage is considered top‑secret and too sensitive for general public release, though members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees will have the opportunity to review it privately this week. The decision comes amid mounting questions from lawmakers about the incident and the broader military campaign in the region.

The strike in question occurred on September 2, part of a several‑month U.S. campaign targeting suspected drug‑smuggling vessels near Venezuela. Controversy erupted when a follow‑up strike reportedly killed two people who survived the initial attack, raising bipartisan concerns about transparency, legality, and Pentagon conduct. 

While the administration and Hegseth defend the overall mission as a successful counter‑narcotics effort, critics argue that withholding the footage undermines congressional oversight and public trust.

Lawmakers from both parties have intensified scrutiny of the Caribbean operations, with some demanding full disclosure of the tape and broader strategy details. Hegseth’s refusal to release the unedited video to the public has fueled frustration among Democrats and some Republicans alike, who stress that accountability is essential when lethal force is used in international waters. 

The debate over transparency continues as Congress weighs next steps in oversight and potential policy responses to the controversial strikes.