Recent Military Actions and the Fog of War
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently found himself in hot water over the controversial airstrikes conducted by U.S. forces in September. The strikes targeted a boat in the Caribbean Sea that was allegedly involved in drug smuggling. Hegseth defended the follow-up strike on this vessel, which purportedly resulted in the loss of lives, including survivors from the initial strike.
Understanding the “Fog of War”
During a Cabinet meeting at the White House, Hegseth remarked, “I didn’t personally see survivors. The thing was on fire. It was exploded in fire and smoke. You can’t see it.” This phrase, “the fog of war,” has been thrown around often, but it certainly serves to paint a rather murky picture of accountability in military operations.
The Timeline of Events
In September, U.S. forces executed a strike on the drug-carrying vessel, which had 11 individuals onboard. Following intelligence that not all occupants had been neutralized, a second strike was ordered. This has now sparked bipartisan inquiries within both the House and Senate, with critics arguing that these actions might amount to a war crime.
Political Repercussions
Hegseth’s remarks come at a time when President Trump and the White House have rallied around him amidst mounting scrutiny over the actions taken. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Hegseth authorized Adm. Frank Bradley, the Special Operations commander, to carry out the strikes.
Details on the Strikes
The Washington Post first reported the second strike related to this incident on September 2. Hegseth confirmed he had watched the initial strike live before transferring to other meetings. However, he did not witness the second strike and maintained that he learned about it afterward. Still, he emphasized his support for the decision to target the vessel, asserting that “Adm. Bradley made the correct decision to ultimately sink the boat and eliminate the threat.”
Trump’s Comments on Military Actions
When pressed for specifics regarding the timing of the second strike, Hegseth was somewhat evasive. Trump, while stressing that he and Hegseth were unaware of the second strike, noted, “Pete has done an amazing job.” In a somewhat humorous twist, he suggested that Hegseth might be better positioned to answer the burning questions surrounding the strikes.
A Potential Diplomatic Off-Ramp
Despite upping military pressure on alleged drug traffickers, Trump hinted at the possibility of talks with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Over the weekend, the two had a phone conversation, though Trump kept the details tightly under wraps, stating, “I wouldn’t say it went well, or badly. It was a phone call.”
The Broader Impact
As the U.S. continues to conduct operations against purported drug vessels from Venezuela, caution remains paramount. With over 20 strikes already conducted and more than 80 lives claimed, the conversation around military ethics in combating drug trafficking has only just begun. Will this ongoing saga see accountability, or will it remain lost in the proverbial fog?
