Senator Mark Kelly has raised serious concerns regarding a recent military operation in the Caribbean, suggesting that a double-tap airstrike on suspected drug boats may constitute a war crime. This statement follows a report from the Washington Post detailing the strike, which allegedly stemmed from an order given by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to “kill them all.”
In an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union,” the Democratic senator, who served as a Navy pilot for more than two decades, expressed his dismay over the implications of the reported actions. Kelly stated, “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 emphasized the respect owed to military personnel, expressing hope that the details surrounding the strike are not as reported.
Kelly has previously clashed with the Trump administration over military conduct, particularly regarding a video he released reminding service members that they have the legal right to refuse unlawful orders. He reflected on his own experiences, stating, “I have sunk two ships. I never, in that situation, questioned whether those strikes were legal… Going after survivors in the water, that is clearly not lawful.”
The strike in question occurred on September 2, 2025, and was characterized as a “double-tap” operation, where a second attack follows the first to target any survivors. In response to the Washington Post report, Hegseth dismissed the allegations as “fake news,” claiming that military operations in the Caribbean were conducted in accordance with both U.S. and international law. He defended the actions, stating they were approved by military and civilian lawyers throughout the chain of command.
During the CNN interview, Kelly did not hold back in his criticism of Hegseth, labeling him the “least qualified” individual ever to serve as Secretary of Defense. He remarked, “We have a president who doesn’t understand the Constitution, who installed an unqualified secretary of defense. I cannot think of a secretary of defense in the history of our country who is less qualified than Pete Hegseth.”
Kelly referenced previous controversies surrounding Hegseth, stating he should have been dismissed after a scandal involving military conduct. The senator’s comments reflect growing unease among some lawmakers regarding military operations and the legality of orders given during such missions.
As public scrutiny continues, the implications of the strike and the responses from military leadership raise significant questions about the conduct of U.S. military operations abroad. The situation remains fluid, with calls for further investigation into the legality of the actions taken under Hegseth’s command.
