Overview
- Since Sept. 2, U.S. forces have struck vessels the administration says were smuggling drugs in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, killing dozens, including 11 in the first attack.
- At a Dec. 3 Cabinet meeting, Hegseth said he did not personally see survivors on Sept. 2 and described the scene as the “fog of war.”
- He said he left the control room after the initial strike and delegated any follow-on decisions to Admiral Frank M. Bradley, the operation’s commander.
- Lawmakers and defense specialists say the reported second strike that killed two survivors raises legal and procedural concerns and warrants investigation.
- Military members posting online criticized using “fog of war” as a literal explanation, arguing modern sensors should have clarified what was visible at the target.