Pete Hegseth dismisses reports he ordered no survivors be left in Caribbean boat strike

WASHINGTON, DC: Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Saturday, November 28, rejected recent media reports that he issued unlawful demands, specifically allegations he sought to leave "no survivors" following a vessel strike in the Caribbean. 

Instead, Hegseth reinforced the administration’s publicly declared policy: these are explicitly intended to be “lethal, kinetic strikes.” He blasted the “fake news” for its “fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory reporting,” and offered unwavering support to the “incredible warriors fighting to protect the homeland.”

Pete Hegseth emphasized mission's intent was to eliminate those who are poisoning Americans

Pete Hegseth emphasized that the mission's intent is clear and necessary, which is to “stop lethal d**gs, destroy narco-boats, and kill the narco-te**orists who are poisoning the American people.”

The Defense Secretary was clear in his justification for the lethal force, asserting that “every trafficker we kill is affiliated with a Designated Te**orist Organization.” 

This assertive strategy, he argued, is a vital measure to safeguard the nation, making it clear that the administration is on the offense against these hostile criminal-threat groups. 

Pete Hegseth provides clear distinction from past government's weakness

Pete Hegseth drew a stark line between the current administration’s firm approach and the perceived failure of the previous one, highlighting the effectiveness of the Trump administration's policies.

He stated that “the Biden administration preferred the kid gloves approach, allowing millions of people — including dangerous cartels and unvetted Afghans — to flood our communities with dr**gs and violence.” 

He contrasted this with the present, declaring that "the Trump administration has sealed the border and gone on offense against narco-te**orists.” 

Hegseth summarized the administration's core difference in posture with the powerful statement: "Biden coddled te**orists, we kill them."

Pete Hegseth insists strikes in the Caribbean are lawful under both US and international law

In a direct counter to the media's questioning of the strikes' legitimacy, Pete Hegseth stressed the robust legal foundation of the military operations.

He asserted that the current operations in the Caribbean “are lawful under both US and international law, with all actions in compliance with the law of armed conflict—and approved by the best military and civilian lawyers, up and down the chain of command.” 

This robust legal backing is designed to support the “incredible warriors” on the front lines.

He concluded his defense by pledging his full backing to the military personnel engaged in this critical mission: “Our warriors in SOUTHCOM put their lives on the line every day to protect the Homeland from narco-te**orists — and I will ALWAYS have their back.”