USA Media: US military deliberately killed survivors in the Caribbean
According to media reports, the US military's attack on an allegedly drug-laden boat in the Caribbean at the beginning of September is once again raising questions about possible violations of international law by the USA.
28.11.2025, 23:07
SDA
In the first known strike of this kind, there are said to have been survivors, as reported by CNN and the Washington Post, citing people familiar with the situation. The boat was then attacked again and the two men were killed.
According to the "Washington Post" report, they had been clinging to the smouldering wreckage and therefore posed no threat. According to CNN, people briefed on the situation expressed concern that the second strike may have violated international law. One expert told the broadcaster that they should have been rescued in accordance with applicable law. According to the US government, a total of eleven people were killed in the strike.
Role of Hegseth unclear
Both reports stated that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth himself had previously given the order to "kill them all". However, according to CNN, it is unclear whether he knew about the survivors before the second attack. According to the Washington Post, the second strike was ordered after the survivors had been sighted in order to fulfill Hegseth's order.
The newspaper also quoted experts who questioned the legality of the entire US operation against suspected drug smugglers. They argue that the killings are not covered by international law. The Pentagon told the German Press Agency on request that it did not wish to comment on the media reports.
Dozens killed in attacks on alleged drug boats
For weeks, the US military has been attacking boats allegedly carrying drug smugglers in the Caribbean and the Pacific. The Ministry confirmed to the German Press Agency in mid-November that there had already been 20 attacks with around 80 fatalities at that time. The action has met with international criticism, partly because the legal basis for the US government's actions is disputed. The United Nations called on the US government to exercise restraint.
Video infuriates the Trump administration
In this context, a video recently published by six Democrats in the US Congress, who themselves have a military or intelligence background, is explosive. They call on members of the US military not to follow illegal orders from US President Donald Trump's government.
Senator Elissa Slotkin, who was involved in the video, told ABC News that some young officers had approached her and her colleagues who, as part of military units in Latin America, were not sure whether they should carry out their orders. When asked if Trump had given any illegal orders so far, Slotkin said: "I'm not aware of any illegal things, but there are certainly some legal dodges related to the attacks in the Caribbean and anything to do with Venezuela."
The video caused great anger in the Trump administration. In an initial reaction, the President accused the group of "insurgent behavior" and declared that this was punishable by death. He later qualified these statements. At the same time, the Pentagon announced an investigation into Democratic Senator Mark Kelly, who was also involved in the video. Among other things, it will examine whether Kelly can be recalled to active duty to stand trial before a military tribunal.
