Summary
Two men were killed in a second U.S. military strike on a suspected drug-trafficking boat in September. The military initially thought they were trying to call for help, but reports show they didn't have a radio. This has led to questions about whether the strike followed international law.
Key Facts
- The strike targeted a suspected drug-trafficking vessel.
- Two survivors were initially believed to have tried to call for help, but they had no radio.
- Surveillance videos showed survivors clinging to a portion of the wrecked boat.
- The Pentagon's rules say it's not allowed to kill shipwrecked people who can't fight back.
- Lawmakers viewed the video and expressed concerns about the actions being a potential war crime.
- The military carried out additional strikes on similar vessels labeled as "narco-terrorist," resulting in more casualties.
- There were conflicting reports about whether an order to target survivors was given.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth initially denied the second strike, but its existence was later confirmed.
