UPDATE: A shocking verbal order from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to “kill everyone” during a controversial Naval strike on September 2, 2023, has ignited a firestorm of criticism. The revelation, reported by the Washington Post, comes amid Hegseth’s past remarks denouncing “stupid rules of engagement,” which have resurfaced, adding fuel to the controversy.
During a speech to over 800 top military officials in Quantico, Virginia, Hegseth condemned current military engagement policies, claiming, “We fight to win… with maximum lethality and authority for war.” His remarks, made just weeks before the strike, raise serious questions about military conduct and accountability.
Legal experts, including former military lawyer Todd Huntley, have labeled Hegseth’s directive as potentially constituting a war crime, arguing that it signals an order to show no quarter. Huntley emphasized that without a legitimate war, actions taken against the occupants of the suspected drug boats could amount to “murder.”
The September 2 strike in the Caribbean Sea reportedly resulted in at least 80 casualties, with the Pentagon confirming the deaths of multiple individuals associated with suspected drug trafficking. Following the initial attack, U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Frank Bradley allegedly ordered a subsequent strike to eliminate two survivors, justifying their targeting as necessary to prevent further calls for assistance from other traffickers.
As outrage grows, lawmakers from both parties are demanding accountability regarding the strikes, which have resulted in a total of at least 22 additional strikes since September 2. The situation has escalated concerns about the legality of U.S. military operations against non-state actors under international law.
Despite the backlash, the Trump administration has defended these operations, citing a “non-international armed conflict” with designated terrorist organizations, supported by a legal opinion from the Justice Department. This justification aims to shield participating personnel from prosecution under the laws of war.
As the implications of Hegseth’s orders unfold, the international community is closely monitoring the situation. The potential violation of armed conflict laws could have lasting repercussions for U.S. military policy and operations.
What’s Next: The fallout from this incident will likely lead to increased scrutiny of military engagement rules and possible legislative changes. Expect developments as lawmakers and legal experts continue to analyze the situation and advocate for accountability in U.S. military operations.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
