Lawmakers from both parties are expressing concerns about a deadly boat strike ordered by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth earlier this year, as reported by The Washington Post. The strike, targeting an alleged drug boat, resulted in the deaths of two survivors who were seen holding onto the wreckage after an initial strike.
Sen. Chris Van Hollen and Sen. Tim Kaine have raised concerns about a potential war crime being committed in this incident. The House and Senate Armed Services Committees have launched inquiries to investigate the circumstances surrounding the boat strikes.
Former military lawyer Todd Huntley emphasized that any order to kill survivors who are unable to fight would constitute a war crime. The Former JAGs Working Group stated that targeting survivors and failing to protect them is a violation of international law and could be considered murder.
President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Hegseth have denied any wrongdoing, with Hegseth claiming that the military’s operations are lawful under both U.S. and international law. However, lawmakers continue to question the legal justification for the attacks on alleged drug boats.
Van Hollen suggested that the attacks could be considered “plain murder” if the administration’s claims about being in conflict with drug cartels are not substantiated. The ongoing investigation into the boat strikes is raising serious concerns among lawmakers.
Image Credit Source
