Pentagon Scandal: US Strikes on Caribbean Boat Ignite Fury Amid Claims of Second Strike on Survivors
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US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing intense scrutiny over a second strike on a Caribbean boat, which allegedly killed survivors of the initial attack. According to a recent report by the Associated Press, the Pentagon was aware of potential survivors on the vessel, but proceeded with the follow-up strike in September. The US military initially attacked a boat in the Caribbean Sea on September 2, off the coast of Trinidad, as part of its efforts to combat drug trafficking. The strike killed all 11 people on board, according to the Trump administration. However, sources close to the matter revealed that a second strike was conducted, targeting survivors who were clinging to debris after the initial attack. While it remains unclear who ordered the strikes, Hegseth's role as the head of the Pentagon has put him under the spotlight. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt claimed that Hegseth had ordered the strikes, but denied that he issued the 'kill everybody' order. Instead, Admiral Frank Bradley was allegedly responsible for the follow-up strike, which Leavitt described as being within his authority and the law. Hegseth has pushed back against the accusations, calling them 'fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory'. He also defended Admiral Bradley, describing him as an 'American hero' and a 'true professional'. The US has faced significant backlash for its actions in the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. Since the first attack in September, the US military has struck at least 22 boats, killing over 70 people, according to internal documents. The Trump administration claims it is acting in self-defence, but lawmakers from both parties have expressed concern over the strikes and are calling for a congressional review. The US' actions have also been met with criticism from Latin American countries, particularly Venezuela and its president Nicolas Maduro, who have been subject to frequent warnings and threats from the Trump administration.
