KQED's Forum Calls Escalate for Release of Caribbean Boat Strike Video
Dec 10, 2025
In this discussion, Julian Barnes, an intelligence and national security reporter for The New York Times, and Tess Bridgeman, co-editor-in-chief at Just Security and former legal adviser to the National Security Council, delve into the controversial U.S. boat strike that resulted in fatalities. They analyze accusations of war crimes, implications for the law of war, and the Pentagon's shift from law enforcement to military action. The duo also highlights concerns about political accountability and the potential erosion of safeguards in U.S. military operations.
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Double Strike And Congressional Focus
- The September 2nd attack involved two strikes that left two survivors in the water before a second strike sank the wreckage.
- Julian E. Barnes says the second strike ordered by Admiral Mitch Bradley is the central focus of congressional scrutiny.
Waving Likely A Call For Rescue
- Lawmakers and experts contend the survivors' waving likely signaled a request for rescue rather than hostile action.
- Barnes notes the military's initial claim of hostile signaling lacks visual support and logical plausibility.
Legal Protections For Shipwrecked People
- If shipwrecked persons are out of the fight they are protected under the Second Geneva Convention and cannot be lawfully targeted.
- Barnes explains killing shipwrecked individuals can constitute a war crime if an armed conflict applies and they are hors de combat.