Trump Minister Hegseth: “Hunt drug terrorists like al-Qaeda”

The United States would kill the drug smugglers as long as they poisoned Americans with drugs so deadly they were equivalent to chemical weapons. Hegseth, who now describes himself as war minister, is currently being criticized for a particularly controversial attack by the US military on suspected drug smugglers in the Caribbean.

Role of US Secretary of Defense unclear

At the beginning of September, the US military is said to have deliberately killed two people who had initially survived an initial attack. According to experts, this could have violated international law – according to the Washington Post, the men had clung to the wreckage and did not pose an immediate threat. Exactly what role Hegseth played in the attack is still unclear. He himself previously denied direct responsibility for the second attack and has now confirmed this.

According to Hegseth, the commander in charge, Admiral Frank M. Bradley, made the decision for the second attack, about which he was only informed afterwards. “According to my understanding at the time and my understanding today, I fully support this attack,” emphasized Hegseth. “I would have made the same decision myself.”

In the debate about this controversial attack in the USA, there were recently calls for the publication of video material. US President Donald Trump recently appeared open to this, but Hegseth has now expressed himself more cautiously. When asked if he would release the full video, he said they are currently looking into it and we will see.