HEGSETH says he 'would have made the same call' on second Sept. 2 boat strike

Monday, December 8, 2025 -At the Reagan National Defense Forum over the weekend, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reiterated his support for the September 2 strike on a suspected drug-running vessel in the Caribbean — including the follow-up attack that killed survivors from the first strike. 

He clarified that although he did not personally give a “kill them all” order, he believes the second strike was justified. “From what I understood then and what I understand now, I fully support that strike,” he said. “I would have made the same call myself.”

The strike has drawn fierce criticism from lawmakers and legal experts. Video — shown privately to Congress — reportedly shows unarmed survivors clinging to wreckage before the second missile hit. 

Some observers argue the attack may breach the principles outlined in the U.S. Department of Defense Law of War Manual, which prohibits targeting shipwrecked or incapacitated individuals who do not pose a threat. Critics warn the decision could amount to a war crime.

Despite the uproar, Hegseth remains firm. He defended the broader campaign against drug-smuggling vessels, framing it as part of the fight against “narco-terrorists” who bring deadly narcotics into the United States. 

Hegseth refused to commit to releasing the full strike video, saying the footage is still under review. In his view, the priority remains stopping drug flows — even if the methods provoke intense legal and moral scrutiny.