Senator Mark Kelly has raised significant concerns regarding a recent military operation in the Caribbean, suggesting that a strike on suspected drug boats may constitute a war crime. This statement follows a report by the Washington Post detailing a double-tap strike executed on September 2, 2025, allegedly ordered by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
During an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Kelly, a former Navy pilot with over two decades of service, expressed his alarm over the reported orders to “kill them all” issued by Hegseth. “If what has been reported is accurate, I’ve got serious concerns about anybody in that chain of command stepping over a line that they should never step over,” he stated. He emphasized the importance of adhering to legal and ethical standards in military operations, particularly when it comes to the treatment of survivors.
Kelly highlighted his own experience in the Navy, stating, “I have sunk two ships. I never, in that situation, questioned whether those strikes were legal.” He underscored that engaging survivors in the water is clearly unlawful. The senator’s remarks come in light of past tensions with the Trump administration, particularly regarding his advocacy for military personnel to refuse unlawful orders.
In response to the Washington Post report, Hegseth dismissed the claims, labeling the article as “fake news” and asserting that current operations in the Caribbean comply with both U.S. and international law. He defended the actions taken by military personnel, claiming that these operations are backed by legal counsel throughout the command structure.
On CNN, Kelly did not hold back in his criticism of Hegseth, calling him the “least qualified” person to ever serve as Secretary of Defense. “We have a president who doesn’t understand the Constitution, who installed an unqualified secretary of defense,” he remarked. Kelly’s frustration also stemmed from what he perceived as a pattern of misconduct and poor judgment within the defense leadership.
In a broader context, Kelly’s comments reflect ongoing debates about military engagement and the rules of engagement in combat situations. As he voiced his hope that the reports regarding the airstrikes are not accurate, the implications of such military actions continue to resonate with human rights advocates and legal experts.
The fallout from this incident may have lasting effects on the perception of military operations under the current administration, as well as the accountability of senior defense officials. Calls for investigations into the legality of the orders given are likely to gain traction in light of Kelly’s statements and the serious nature of the allegations surrounding the September strike.
