'An unserious man': Retired general slams defense secretary for putting military people at risk

Alleged War Crime Investigation - The core issue revolves around the legality of using lethal force against individuals clinging to wreckage who pose no threat to US military forces [2][3] - The situation is being compared to Nazi submarines machine-gunning survivors, highlighting the gravity of the alleged actions [4] - Legal experts suggest that boat strikes themselves may not be a proper use of military force under international law [14] - A "double tap" strike, specifically targeting those out of combat, is considered a war crime [15] Accountability and Responsibility - Everyone involved, from the Secretary of Defense down to the individuals who pulled the trigger, could be held accountable under civilian law and the Uniform Code of Military Justice [14] - Military members have an obligation to disobey patently unlawful orders [17] - Obeying an unlawful order subjects everyone involved to legal accountability [18] Political and Military Implications - The Secretary of Defense's actions are described as unserious and potentially putting military personnel at risk of committing war crimes [9] - There are concerns about the role of Congress in overseeing military operations [5] - The incident is causing upset among Republicans, and the President is attempting to distance himself from it [7]