UPDATE: Rep. Jim Himes has launched a fierce critique of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, declaring he has “zero credibility” regarding the controversial September 2 strikes against an alleged drug boat. Himes, a leading Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, made these comments after receiving classified briefings from military officials about the Pentagon’s shifting narratives surrounding the strikes.
During a press appearance on Face the Nation, Himes emphasized the urgency of releasing video footage from the incident, stating, “The American public needs to judge for itself.” This call for transparency follows revelations that the second strike killed two survivors from the initial attack, raising serious ethical questions.
Himes described the video he viewed as “one of the most troubling things I’ve seen in my time in public service,” expressing profound concern over the actions taken by the U.S. military. He noted, “There’s a certain amount of sympathy for going after drug runners, but it’s crucial for people to see what happens when the full force of the military is used against individuals who are clearly not a threat.”
This incident marks the beginning of a controversial campaign against alleged drug traffickers in the Southern Hemisphere, with the U.S. conducting over 20 strikes and resulting in more than 80 deaths since then. The Pentagon claims legal authority for these strikes, arguing that drug cartels are designated as terrorist organizations, yet has provided no evidence linking the targeted boats to such groups.
In a stark contrast, GOP Senator Tom Cotton, Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, defended the strikes on Meet the Press, asserting that the survivors were not incapacitated and it was “entirely appropriate” to strike again. He described the individuals as “sitting or standing on top of a capsized boat,” suggesting they were not helpless.
Himes countered Cotton’s claims, stating, “If someone has been struck and is outside of combat, attacking them is a violation of the laws of war.” He reiterated the necessity for public access to the footage, highlighting the moral implications of the military’s actions.
The briefings, attended by Himes and others, were led by General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Admiral Frank Bradley, head of Special Operations Command. Himes reflected on the integrity of Admiral Bradley but raised concerns about the pressures military leaders face in the current context.
Hegseth, addressing the Reagan National Defense Forum, described his rationale for the second strike, indicating there remained individuals who could pose a threat. He stated, “From what I understood then and what I understand now, I fully support that strike. I would have made the same call myself.”
As this situation unfolds, lawmakers and the public alike are left grappling with the implications of military actions taken without explicit Congressional authorization. Himes’ urgent demands for accountability and transparency echo a growing sentiment within Congress, as the debate over military engagement and oversight continues to intensify.
Stay tuned for more updates as this developing story unfolds. The implications of these strikes could reshape discussions around U.S. military operations and oversight in the coming days.
