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The recent military operations in the Caribbean have ignited considerable debate, particularly regarding orders issued by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Reports indicate that Hegseth directed a second strike against a vessel suspected of drug trafficking, emphasizing a zero-survivor policy. This directive has raised ethical concerns about military engagement in drug-related operations.
In September, U.S. forces targeted a boat believed to be involved in narcotics transportation, leading to a missile strike that resulted in casualties among the crew. Following this, two survivors were identified, prompting Hegseth’s controversial order to eliminate all remaining crew members. The operation was executed by the elite SEAL Team 6, which carried out a subsequent missile strike under Hegseth’s directive.
The evidence
The first attack on September 2 resulted in significant loss of life, with initial reports indicating that the vessel contained eleven individuals. After the missile strike, only a few survived. According to documents in our possession, the explicit order from Hegseth was to “kill everybody.” This command has sparked debates about the rules of engagement and the moral implications of such military actions.
The reconstruction
In light of these events, the Pentagon has opted to remain tight-lipped. A spokesperson stated that they would not comment on the specifics of the operation or the orders issued by Hegseth. However, Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell dismissed claims surrounding the narrative, asserting that ongoing efforts to combat narco-terrorism have yielded substantial success in safeguarding the U.S. from drug influx.
Admiral Frank M. “Mitch” Bradley, who oversaw the mission, purportedly defended the second strike by citing the potential risk posed by the survivors. He suggested that they could alert other traffickers to recover their cargo and colleagues. This rationale has drawn criticism from various quarters, questioning the thought processes behind such extreme measures.
Key players
Following the backlash from these incidents, claims have emerged that military protocols have undergone revisions to prioritize the rescue of survivors in future operations rather than executing them. For instance, during a later strike on October 16, two men who survived were apprehended and subsequently extradited to Ecuador and Colombia.
The U.S. military has reportedly downed at least 22 vessels since the initial strike, leading to a minimum of 83 fatalities. The overarching narrative provided by Hegseth and President Donald Trump frames these operations as essential to dismantling drug trafficking networks that threaten U.S. borders.
The implications
These military actions have not only raised ethical concerns but have also strained international relations, particularly in the region. Critics argue that the escalation of U.S. military presence in the Caribbean serves a dual purpose, potentially targeting the government of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro amidst their internal crises. Such assertions have been met with skepticism by various leaders in Latin America.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has voiced his disapproval of U.S. operations, advocating for dialogues with regional leaders, including the U.S. The response from the White House has been dismissive, with spokespeople referring to Petro as an “illegal drug leader” promoting drug production, further complicating the diplomatic landscape.
What happens next
The ongoing dialogue regarding military operations in the Caribbean raises fundamental questions about the balance between national security and moral responsibility. As the U.S. continues to engage in these high-stakes operations, the implications of such orders and their broader regional impact remain to be seen.