UPDATE: New reports confirm that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth allegedly directed a shocking verbal order to “kill everyone” during a September 2 naval strike on a suspected drug trafficking boat in the Caribbean Sea. This explosive claim has resurfaced alongside Hegseth’s prior remarks denouncing “stupid rules of engagement,” igniting widespread condemnation and urgent calls for accountability.
In a speech delivered to over 800 flag officers in Quantico, Virginia, Hegseth criticized existing military protocols, advocating for “common sense, maximum lethality, and authority for war.” He stated, “We fight to win. We also don’t fight with stupid rules of engagement.” This rhetoric has raised alarm, especially as it came just weeks before the controversial strike, which has been labeled a potential “war crime” by legal experts.
According to the Washington Post, Vice Admiral Frank Bradley, who oversaw the operation, reportedly followed Hegseth’s order, leading to the deaths of two survivors from the initial strike. Legal analysts argue that Hegseth’s directive and the subsequent actions by U.S. forces could constitute violations of both U.S. federal law and international law regarding armed conflict.
Former military lawyer Todd Huntley, who advised Special Operations forces, emphasized that the order to show no quarter is a clear violation of the laws of war. He stated, “Because there is no legitimate war between the two sides… killing any of the occupants of the suspected drug boats would amount to murder.”
This controversy comes amid increasing scrutiny from lawmakers across party lines concerning the military’s recent operations, which have reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 80 people. The Pentagon has indicated that the U.S. is engaged in a “non-international armed conflict” against “designated terrorist organizations,” a justification that has raised ethical and legal questions.
The Trump administration has defended the strikes, claiming they were aligned with the law of armed conflict. However, critics argue that the absence of an imminent threat undermines this justification. Following the September 2 incident, the U.S. military has conducted at least 22 additional strikes on suspected drug smuggling operations in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, further intensifying the debate over military engagement standards.
As the fallout continues, lawmakers are urging immediate investigations into the orders and actions taken during these operations. The implications of Hegseth’s statements and the military’s response could reshape policies regarding military engagement and accountability.
Stay tuned for more updates as this developing story unfolds.
