Senator Mark Kelly has voiced serious concerns regarding a recent military strike on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean, suggesting it may constitute a war crime. The incident, which reportedly occurred on September 2, 2025, has drawn scrutiny following a report by the Washington Post, which alleged that the order for a “double-tap” attack stemmed from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s directive to “kill them all.”
During an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Kelly, a former Navy pilot, stated, “If what has been reported is accurate, I’ve got serious concerns about anybody in that chain of command stepping over a line that they should never step over.” He emphasized his respect for the United States Navy, stating, “They should be revered, and that’s why I hope what I’ve heard about this strike is not accurate.”
The senator’s remarks come in the wake of his previous disagreements with the Trump administration, particularly over military protocol. Kelly has been vocal about the necessity for military personnel to disregard unlawful orders, adding, “I would have refused the order to circle back and strike survivors of the first attack.” He further elaborated, “I have sunk two ships. I never, in that situation, questioned whether those strikes were legal. We were given an order to do this. It was a time of war… Going after survivors in the water, that is clearly not lawful.”
On social media, Hegseth dismissed the Washington Post‘s report as “fake news,” asserting that the military operations in the Caribbean comply with both U.S. and international law. He stated, “Our current operations… are lawful under both U.S. and international law, with all actions in compliance with the law of armed conflict—and approved by the best military and civilian lawyers, up and down the chain of command.”
Kelly did not hold back his criticism of Hegseth, labeling him the “least qualified” person to hold the position of Secretary of Defense. He remarked, “We have a president who doesn’t understand the Constitution, who installed an unqualified secretary of defense. I cannot think of a secretary of defense in the history of our country who is less qualified than Pete Hegseth. He should have been fired after Signalgate. Now, he should be fired for this.”
The senator’s comments reflect a broader concern regarding military accountability and the rules of engagement. The implications of such strikes raise questions about the ethical responsibilities of military leadership, particularly in ongoing conflicts where civilian lives may be at risk.
In light of the serious allegations surrounding the double-tap strike, further investigation may be warranted to ensure adherence to both domestic and international laws governing military conduct. As discussions continue, the focus remains on the accountability of those in command during military operations.
