The Foreign Desk Explainer 496: Is Hegseth in deep water?
Dec 3, 2025
The discussion centers around Pete Hegseth and his controversial role in the sinking of boats off Venezuela, resulting in numerous casualties. Criticism mounts as Hegseth's support for these actions becomes more public. The legal ramifications are explored, referencing the Geneva Convention and issues surrounding attacking incapacitated combatants. Additionally, the possible command responsibility and accountability for these military actions raise questions about consequences and investigations in the aftermath.
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Unproven Naval Strike Campaign
- The US campaign sank suspected drug boats without presenting solid evidence linking them to trafficking.
- At least 22 strikes allegedly killed 83 people amid logistical limits to recovering proof from wrecks.
Survivors Repatriated And Released
- Families of victims insist the struck boats were civilian fishing vessels, not smugglers.
- Two survivors were rescued and repatriated to Ecuador and Colombia and released without charge.
Hegseth's Public Posturing
- Pete Hegseth publicly championed the sinkings and rebranded himself as 'Secretary of War'.
- His social posts included an AI image of Franklin the Turtle firing on smugglers, provoking publishers' complaints.
