Senator Mark Kelly has raised serious concerns regarding a recent military operation in the Caribbean, describing a double-tap airstrike on suspected drug boats as potentially constituting a war crime. The operation, which took place on September 2, 2025, reportedly followed an order from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to “kill them all,” according to a report by the Washington Post.
During an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Kelly, a former Navy pilot with over two decades of service, expressed his unease about the implications of such an order. He 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 service members, stating, “They should be revered, and that’s why I hope what I’ve heard about this strike is not accurate.”
Kelly has previously criticized the Trump administration for his stance on military orders, specifically concerning unlawful directives. He reiterated that he would have refused to carry out the order to target survivors of the initial strike. “I have sunk two ships,” he noted, reflecting on his experience. “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.”
The senator’s comments come amid a growing backlash against Hegseth’s leadership. On social media, Hegseth dismissed the Washington Post report as “fake news,” asserting that U.S. operations in the Caribbean are lawful under both U.S. and international law. He stated, “All actions are in compliance with the law of armed conflict—and approved by the best military and civilian lawyers, up and down the chain of command.”
Criticism of Hegseth’s Qualifications
In his CNN interview, Kelly did not hold back in his assessment of Hegseth’s qualifications for the role of Secretary of Defense. He declared Hegseth the “least qualified” individual ever to hold the position, suggesting that his leadership represents a significant threat to both military integrity and constitutional governance. “We have a president who doesn’t understand the Constitution, who installed an unqualified secretary of defense,” Kelly stated.
He further criticized Hegseth’s tenure, arguing that he should have been dismissed after a previous controversy referred to as “Signalgate.” Kelly maintained, “Now, he should be fired for this,” indicating a strong belief that accountability is necessary in military leadership.
The senator’s remarks have sparked discussions about the rules of engagement and accountability in military operations, especially in combat zones where civilian casualties could lead to serious legal ramifications.
As the situation unfolds, the implications of the double-tap strike and the ongoing debate over military ethics and legality will likely remain at the forefront of public and political discourse.
