Overview
- At the Reagan National Defense Forum, Pete Hegseth said he would have made the same call as Adm. Frank Bradley on the second Sept. 2 strike and denied issuing any 'kill everybody' order.
- Hegseth said the Pentagon is reviewing whether to release full footage, citing protection of sources and ongoing operations, even as President Trump said he would support releasing it.
- Lawmakers were shown extended video in classified briefings, and Bradley told them he received no illegal 'no quarter' directive and acted within his authority.
- The maritime campaign has carried out roughly 22 strikes that killed about 86–87 people, which the administration frames as lawful attacks on cartel-linked 'narco-terrorists' that many legal experts dispute.
- Scrutiny has intensified after the Pentagon inspector general found Hegseth violated regulations by discussing strike plans on Signal, fueling calls for his resignation even as he retains Trump’s support.