Overview
- Rep. Jim Himes said the classified video of the Sept. 2 operation should be made public, noting that interpretations in Congress split along party lines.
- He described the footage as showing two men clinging to debris and "barely alive," arguing the public should see what the re-strike looked like.
- President Trump said he would have "no problem" releasing the video, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has not decided, citing risks to sources and methods.
- Pentagon officials briefed lawmakers last week on the operation near Venezuela, and both House and Senate committees have opened inquiries; Sen. Roger Wicker said the review will follow the evidence.
- Officials say more than 20 maritime strikes have targeted suspected drug boats, with only the Sept. 2 case involving a follow-up attack, which legal critics argue could violate protections for shipwrecked persons as the Pentagon defends it as lawful.