U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the Department of Defense will not release unedited footage of military strikes targeting an alleged drug-carrying boat, which resulted in the deaths of two survivors. Hegseth stated that this decision is consistent with longstanding Pentagon policy, indicating that the footage will only be available to members of the House and Senate Armed Services committees, excluding the general public.

These military operations, conducted during Donald Trump’s administration, have reportedly led to the deaths of at least 95 individuals in strikes aimed at alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Pacific and Caribbean. Following an initial strike on September 2, which left survivors, a commander ordered additional strikes, allegedly influenced by Hegseth’s directive to eliminate all individuals on the vessels. This command has attracted significant legal and political scrutiny, with experts in the law of war describing the actions as potential extrajudicial killings and war crimes.

The lack of transparency surrounding these military operations raises critical questions about accountability and the ethical implications of state aggression in combating drug trafficking. The ongoing situation highlights the need for a more open discussion regarding the humanitarian impact of military actions and the responsibilities of the U.S. government in ensuring adherence to international law.