The chair of the House Armed Services Committee, Rep. Mike Rogers, announced that he has concluded the investigation into a controversial military strike on a vessel alleged to be involved in drug trafficking in the Caribbean. The strike, which occurred on September 2, 2023, resulted in the deaths of two survivors, prompting bipartisan calls for a thorough review. “It’s done,” Rogers stated to reporters on Tuesday, adding that he had obtained all necessary information.
Previously, both Rogers, a Republican from Alabama, and Rep. Adam Smith, a Democrat from Washington, committed to ensuring “rigorous oversight” of the incident following a Washington Post report highlighting concerns about the nature of the strike. They emphasized the importance of accountability in operations overseen by U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), which is responsible for military activities in Central and South America.
During a classified briefing last week, key members of the Armed Services and Intelligence committees met with Adm. Frank Bradley, head of U.S. Special Operations Command, who provided details about the strike and presented footage of the incident. Bradley clarified that there was no directive from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to carry out a so-called “kill them all” order, a claim that had been reported earlier.
Despite Rogers’ conclusion, pressure continues to mount on the Pentagon to release the full, unedited video of the strike. Lawmakers from both political parties have voiced concerns about the potential implications of the second strike, with some suggesting it may constitute a war crime. In response, a new defense policy bill proposed that the Pentagon release unedited footage of military actions against designated terrorist organizations in the region. The bill includes a provision to withhold Hegseth’s travel budget for fiscal year 2026 if the footage remains unreleased.
On the same day as Rogers’ announcement, a select group known as the “gang of 8,” which includes congressional leaders and members of the Intelligence Committee, received a briefing on the incident. Alongside Hegseth, General Dan Caine of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio participated in the discussions, highlighting the incident’s significance at the highest levels of government.
Former President Donald Trump had previously expressed support for releasing the full video, stating he had viewed it and believed it depicted efforts to turn the boat over. “It looked like they were trying to turn the boat back over, but I don’t get involved in that,” Trump remarked.
As the investigation officially closes, the debate over transparency and accountability in military operations continues, underscoring the complexities surrounding U.S. military engagements in the Caribbean. The push for the release of the incident’s footage remains a focal point for lawmakers seeking clarity and oversight in military practices.
