A top US Navy commander has strongly denied that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered troops to "kill them all" during a military operation last month. Admiral Frank Bradley spoke to members of Congress in a private hearing on Thursday. He said no order was given to show no mercy, which contradicts serious claims that started an investigation.
The investigation is about an incident on September 2nd in the Caribbean Sea near Trinidad. US forces attacked a boat suspected of drug trafficking. According to reports, there were two separate attacks, and eleven people died. Two of those killed were reportedly survivors from the first attack. This operation is part of a long-term US effort to stop drug smuggling in international waters.
Lawmakers became very concerned after a news report claimed Secretary Hegseth had verbally ordered forces to take no prisoners. This led to urgent meetings for members of key congressional committees. During these meetings, lawmakers watched video of the operation and heard from Admiral Bradley and another senior general.
Reactions from Congress were mixed but showed some agreement. Republican Senator Tom Cotton said the Admiral was clear that no such extreme order was given. This brought several politicians from both parties together to dismiss the most shocking claim. However, deep worry remained, especially among Democrats. Representative Jim Himes called what he saw "one of the most troubling things" in his career.
While the White House says the Admiral acted legally, the meetings did not calm all fears. Critics now want a fuller investigation and for the video to be released to the public. The legal reason for using military force against a civilian ship, instead of police action, is still being hotly debated.
The hearings happened as military action continued. On the same evening, the US announced another strike in the Pacific Ocean, approved by Secretary Hegseth, which killed four people. This shows the campaign is ongoing and ensures that the difficult ethical and legal questions from September will remain important. Pressure is growing for the government to explain the rules for these deadly operations more clearly.