Hegseth’s reported ‘kill everybody’ order in drug boat strike draws Senate scrutiny

Published November 29, 2025 8:52pm ET



War Secretary Pete Hegseth‘s first ordered strike on alleged drug boats operating in the Caribbean is now under “vigorous oversight” from the Senate Armed Services Committee, Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS) and ranking member Jack Reed (D-RI) announced on Saturday.

“The Committee is aware of recent news reports — and the Department of Defense’s initial response — regarding alleged follow-on strikes on suspected narcotics vessels in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility,” the senators wrote in a joint statement. “The Committee has directed inquires to the Department, and we will be conducting vigorous oversight to determine the facts related to the circumstances.”

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