Hegseth says he didn't see survivors of scrutinized strike on alleged drug vessel

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated he did not see survivors after an initial strike on a suspected drug vessel. This contradicts reports suggesting a follow-up attack aimed at eliminating any survivors. The White House maintains the legality of the strikes, citing an order to destroy the vessel and eliminate threats. These strikes, targeting alleged "narco-terrorists," have resulted in over 80 deaths in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific. Hegseth claims he watched the first strike live but left before learning of the subsequent order to sink the boat. He attributed any confusion to "the fog of war" and criticized the press for not understanding. Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson confirmed 21 strikes and 82 fatalities, asserting all operations comply with U.S. and international law. The administration insists these actions are legally sound, though some lawmakers feel uninformed. The justification for attacks rests on the argument that cartels are in armed conflict with the U.S., a point disputed by some legal experts. Hegseth compared these missions to those against Al-Qaeda and ISIS, indicating the lethal attacks will continue.