Lawmakers are left reeling from disturbing footage of a second strike on alleged drug boat survivors, sparking heated debate about the morality of the operation.
The video, viewed by lawmakers in a closed-door meeting with military brass, shows a suspected drug boat being struck twice in the Caribbean. However, what's most alarming is that two survivors appear to be clinging to the wreckage just moments after the second strike, leaving many questioning whether it was truly necessary.
Ranking Democrat Rep. Adam Smith called the footage "highly questionable" and claimed that the survivors were "capable of returning to the fight," despite being visibly incapacitated. This contradicts the accounts of fellow lawmakers, including Sen. Jack Reed, who described the scene as "troubling" and "deeply disturbing."
In stark contrast, Republican lawmakers defended the strike, with Sen. Tom Cotton labeling it "righteous" and "highly lawful and lethal." Rep. Rick Crawford echoed this sentiment, stating that the strikes were carried out in a "professional manner."
The controversy surrounding the second strikes has drawn criticism from international bodies. Volker Türk, the UN's human rights chief, described the attacks as "unacceptable" with no justification for the strikes.
While some lawmakers have called it a war crime, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt attributed the strike to self-defense in the "fog of war." However, these explanations ring hollow when faced with the disturbing footage, leaving many to wonder if the government is covering up for its actions.
The lack of transparency and accountability raises questions about the true intentions behind the strikes. One thing is clear: lawmakers are deeply divided on this issue, and it remains to be seen how this controversy will play out in the coming days and weeks.
The video, viewed by lawmakers in a closed-door meeting with military brass, shows a suspected drug boat being struck twice in the Caribbean. However, what's most alarming is that two survivors appear to be clinging to the wreckage just moments after the second strike, leaving many questioning whether it was truly necessary.
Ranking Democrat Rep. Adam Smith called the footage "highly questionable" and claimed that the survivors were "capable of returning to the fight," despite being visibly incapacitated. This contradicts the accounts of fellow lawmakers, including Sen. Jack Reed, who described the scene as "troubling" and "deeply disturbing."
In stark contrast, Republican lawmakers defended the strike, with Sen. Tom Cotton labeling it "righteous" and "highly lawful and lethal." Rep. Rick Crawford echoed this sentiment, stating that the strikes were carried out in a "professional manner."
The controversy surrounding the second strikes has drawn criticism from international bodies. Volker Türk, the UN's human rights chief, described the attacks as "unacceptable" with no justification for the strikes.
While some lawmakers have called it a war crime, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt attributed the strike to self-defense in the "fog of war." However, these explanations ring hollow when faced with the disturbing footage, leaving many to wonder if the government is covering up for its actions.
The lack of transparency and accountability raises questions about the true intentions behind the strikes. One thing is clear: lawmakers are deeply divided on this issue, and it remains to be seen how this controversy will play out in the coming days and weeks.
. It just seems like overkill to me. I mean, what's next? We're gonna send drones to check if they're still alive on a deserted island? 
The military always claims it's all about self-defense, but we should be asking ourselves if that's really the case here. 
I'm not convinced by their story at all...
The video of that second strike on the suspected drug boat was super disturbing. Two people were still alive after the first blow, but then got hit again too! It's like they didn't even try to save them? 
I don't think it's right to leave anyone to die like that, you know?
It seems like a lot of people are saying the government is doing what they think is best, but I don't see it. And when someone as high up as the UN says the strikes are "unacceptable", that's gotta count for something... 
. Those survivors were already struggling for their lives, and then they get hit again? It's like they're trying to cover their tracks 
. And what really gets my goat is how some lawmakers are downplaying the whole thing, saying those survivors could've easily gotten back on the boat 
. No way, that's just not true! You can't just dismiss someone who's been through something traumatic like that 
. This is exactly why we need more oversight in these types of operations 
. The lack of transparency is giving me serious whiplash 
It's like they're trying to confuse us on purpose. 
I don't buy it one bit. The UN's human rights chief is right, these attacks are unacceptable and there should be consequences. We need more transparency and accountability from our government on this. Can't we just have a straight answer for once? 
According to a study by the International Crisis Group, there were only 12 such groups in 2020, but now we're up to over 40. 
. The footage of those survivors clinging to the wreckage after the second strike is just heartbreaking 
. It's like they're trying to fight for their lives, but it doesn't seem like the military has any intention of saving them. I mean, Rep. Adam Smith saying they were "capable of returning to the fight" is just not true... that's basically admitting they left people to die on purpose 
. And meanwhile, Sen. Tom Cotton is over here saying it's "righteous" and "highly lawful"? Give me a break 
. We need answers, not more spin 
. This whole thing smells like a cover-up to me...