‘An inflection point for the military’: Hegseth’s military orders has Trump White House on defense

Alleged War Crimes Investigation - The report centers on allegations that Defense Secretary Pete Hegsth ordered the military to "leave no survivors" on a strike against boats in the Caribbean, potentially violating international law [3][4] - Legal experts, including the former JAGs working group, assert that targeting survivors is a war crime, constituting murder, with no other legal options [5][6] - Republican Mike Turner, head of the House Armed Services Committee, acknowledged that if the allegations are true, the act would be illegal [6][7] - The Senate Armed Services Committee announced an investigation into the attacks on drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific [8] Administration's Response - Secretary Hegsth initially dismissed the Washington Post reporting as fabricated but defended the decision to strike the boats [9] - Donald Trump claimed ignorance of the alleged second strike and stated he "wouldn't have wanted that" [10][11] Legal and Military Perspectives - The report highlights concerns that the alleged actions deviate from established military protocols and legal standards [14][15] - A retired Navy captain indicated they would not have carried out an order to eliminate survivors [16] - A retired Rear Admiral suggested the situation indicates a failure in planning, as contingencies for survivors should have been considered [25][26] - The report suggests a politicization of the military process, potentially leading to ad hoc interventions in operations [29]