This week, congressional committees overseeing armed forces and intelligence sectors convened to discuss a military operation conducted on September 2, which involved a U.S. Navy SEAL strike on a vessel in the Caribbean, allegedly transporting drugs. The operation has drawn scrutiny due to reports that Navy SEALs conducted a second strike on the vessel while survivors were present, raising concerns about compliance with military conduct and international law.

The investigation into the military strike was prompted by criticism from experts, including former Judge Advocate General (JAG) officers, who suggested that the actions taken may constitute a war crime. The military code of conduct and international law prohibit targeting individuals who do not pose an imminent threat.

In a separate matter, a review of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's conduct, known as "Signalgate," revealed that he had compromised classified information by sharing it in a non-secure chat with various officials, including Vice President J.D. Vance and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz. The investigation concluded that this breach could have endangered U.S. personnel and mission objectives.

Responses from lawmakers following the briefing varied significantly. While some Republicans expressed support for Hegseth and the military actions, Democrats criticized the strikes as disturbing and potentially unlawful. Senator Jack Reed and Representative Jim Himes highlighted the troubling nature of the military's engagement with shipwrecked sailors.

Republican Senator Tom Cotton defended the military's actions, labeling them as lawful and justified, while other Republican leaders, such as Roger Wicker, initially called for accountability but later shifted their stance, suggesting that Hegseth acted within his authority. This inconsistency reflects a broader reluctance among some Republican lawmakers to publicly criticize actions taken during the Trump administration.

The investigation into Hegseth's actions has revealed a divide within the Republican Party, with some members, including retiring Congressman Don Bacon and Senator Thom Tillis, openly rejecting Hegseth's claims of exoneration and calling for accountability regarding the military's targeting decisions. The ongoing discussions in Congress highlight the complexities and ethical implications surrounding military operations and the handling of classified information.