U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has denied witnessing a reported follow-up military strike in the Caribbean that allegedly killed survivors of an initial attack on a suspected drug vessel. The incident, which occurred on September 2, 2025, has sparked bipartisan congressional inquiries and heated debates about military accountability.
Fog of War or Oversight?
Hegseth told reporters at the White House this week he saw the first strike live but didn’t observe survivors or a second attack due to the 'fire, smoke, and chaos' 🔥— blaming the confusion on 'the fog of war.' This comes after a Washington Post report claimed he verbally ordered troops to 'kill everybody' aboard the vessel pre-strike.
Trump Weighs In
When asked about the alleged second strike, former U.S. President Donald Trump stated: 'I didn’t know about it… but the guy in charge is extraordinary.' Meanwhile, Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson called the Post’s claims 'totally fabricated,' insisting the restrike decision was made independently by Admiral Bradley to 'eliminate the threat.' 🚢💥
Congress Steps In
Both Republican-led House and Senate armed services committees have launched investigations into the incident. This strike is one of over 20 similar operations conducted by the Pentagon since early September 2025, resulting in 80+ fatalities across Caribbean and eastern Pacific waters.
