Overview
- Pressed on the Sept. 2 follow-up strike, Pete Hegseth declined to say if the Pentagon will release the full video, citing protection of sources and methods despite President Trump signaling support for disclosure.
- In closed briefings, Adm. Frank “Mitch” Bradley told lawmakers he received no illegal “no quarter” order, with Republicans calling the strikes lawful and Democrats describing the footage as deeply troubling and potentially criminal.
- Hegseth said he left the room before the second strike but would have made the same call, denied issuing a “kill everybody” directive, and argued the survivors could still have posed a threat.
- Sources familiar with the footage said two survivors were waving before the second strike, a contested detail intensifying calls to release the unedited video and for accountability.
- Officials say there have been about 22 vessel strikes with roughly 86–87 fatalities since September, and Hegseth vowed the maritime campaign will continue against alleged narco‑terrorist targets.