Hegseth’s alleged ‘Kill them all’ order during first Caribbean boat strike raises concern

Pentagon Investigation into Caribbean Strike

According to U.S. officials, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth allegedly gave a verbal command to “kill them all” during a September 2 operation targeting a suspected drug boat in the Caribbean. The incident marked the first lethal maritime action authorized under his leadership.

Details of the Operation

Navy SEALs were deployed to intercept a small vessel believed to be carrying narcotics and possibly involved in smuggling operations. After initial engagement, witnesses and defense officials stated that SEALs fired a second round of shots even after the threat had been neutralized. No survivors were reported among the crew of the targeted boat.

Official Responses and Internal Review

Military and defense insiders revealed that the phrase attributed to Hegseth sparked strong reactions within the Pentagon. Several senior officers expressed concern that the directive, if verified, could represent a violation of established rules of engagement and international law.

Quoting one official:

“The chain of command must uphold accountability, regardless of who issues the order.”

The Defense Department has not released an official statement confirming or denying the alleged command, but an internal review has begun to examine the incident and related communications. A Pentagon spokesperson stated that all U.S. military operations are “expected to adhere to legal and ethical standards.”

Political and Ethical Implications

The controversy has already drawn attention on Capitol Hill, with several lawmakers calling for transparency in how military actions are approved and executed. Critics argue that such language, if proven, undermines American credibility and the professional integrity of its armed forces.

“Operational intensity cannot override moral and legal duty,” commented one defense analyst.

Broader Context

This episode comes amid an increase in U.S. military counter-narcotics missions across the Caribbean, where the Pentagon has reported heightened trafficking activity. The incident has renewed debate about the thresholds for lethal force in nontraditional combat zones.

Author’s summary: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth allegedly ordered lethal action in a Caribbean operation, prompting Pentagon and congressional scrutiny over rules of engagement and command ethics.

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The Washington Post The Washington Post — 2025-11-29

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