Senator Angus King has called for the public release of the complete video footage from a recent military operation in the Caribbean, which resulted in the deaths of survivors from a boat strike. During an appearance on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” he argued that the killing of these individuals could potentially constitute a war crime. King emphasized the importance of transparency in light of the gravity of the situation, referencing the U.S. Defense Department Manual of War as a guiding document.
In his remarks, King highlighted the timeline of events on September 3, 2023, noting that there was a significant gap of 40 minutes between the initial strike on a suspected drug-smuggling vessel and a subsequent attack. He stated that the survivors were reportedly unarmed and attempted to signal their surrender, raising serious questions about the legality of the second strike. “Killing survivors of a shipwreck is a clear war crime,” King asserted, citing specific sections of the military manual that outline such violations.
The senator underscored that only a handful of congressional members, approximately seven or eight, have been privy to the video footage so far, limiting access to critical information. He insisted that the public deserves to see the complete tape to understand the full context of the incident. “They can’t say that we can’t see this tape,” he stated, referencing how footage of the initial strike had already been shared publicly.
King’s statements reflect a broader demand from various lawmakers for accountability and transparency in military operations. He pointed out that Pete Hegseth, the Defense Secretary, had previously showcased the first strike on Fox News, which adds to the inconsistency of withholding the second video. “We need to see all of that,” King reiterated, expressing a desire to review the logs of decisions made during the operation as well.
The incident has sparked considerable controversy and debate within U.S. political circles. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has faced scrutiny for his role in authorizing the strikes. While he has not committed to releasing the video footage, he confirmed that the second strike was ordered by Adm. Frank ‘Mitch’ Bradley. Congressional lawmakers have been briefed on the incident, but there are conflicting accounts regarding the directive to eliminate all survivors.
The demand for the video release is not isolated. Representative Adam Smith, a Democrat, has also challenged the prevailing Republican narrative surrounding the Caribbean boat strike, advocating for transparency to clarify the details of the operation. On the other side of the aisle, Senator Tom Cotton, chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, has voiced his support for making the video public. His stance aligns with ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking, a central theme of the current administration’s policies.
As discussions continue, the implications of the incident raise critical questions about military engagement rules and the ethical responsibilities of armed forces. Transparency in such operations is essential for public trust and accountability in governance. The growing call for the release of the video underscores a significant moment in U.S. military history, reflecting the need for thorough examination and dialogue on the actions taken in the Caribbean Sea.