‘Double-decker sandwich of illegality’: Trump Pentagon head Hegseth accused of 'war crime'

Alleged War Crime Investigation - The report focuses on allegations of a war crime involving a military air strike in the Caribbean, ordered by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegath, targeting suspected drug smugglers [1][2] - Lawmakers from both parties suggest the strike is illegal if the reporting is accurate, potentially constituting a war crime due to targeting survivors [3][4] - The Pentagon's manual for the laws of war states that attacking incapacitated individuals is dishonorable and inhumane [5] - Senate and House Armed Services Committees will investigate the matter [5] Administration's Response and Justification - Pete Hegsath and the Pentagon deny the accusations, maintaining the actions were lawful [8] - The administration has conducted at least 21 strikes resulting in 83 fatalities, with the legality of these actions being debated [8] - The White House claims the strike was conducted in self-defense to protect American interests [19] - Critics argue the self-defense claim is implausible, as interdicting drug boats is a common practice without resorting to lethal force [20][21] Legal and Ethical Concerns - Legal experts argue that it's unclear if the actions in the Caribbean constitute a war, making the killings extrajudicial [16][17] - Concerns are raised about the administration acting as judge, jury, and assassin in the "war on drugs" [18] - Historical precedent is cited, noting that individuals were prosecuted after World War II for similar actions of killing survivors [14][27]