Senator Angus King has called for the public release of the full video footage from a military strike in the Caribbean Sea, arguing that the killing of shipwreck survivors could amount to a war crime. During an appearance on MS NOW’s “Morning Joe,” King emphasized the need for transparency surrounding the incident, which occurred on September 3, 2023. He referenced a U.S. Defense Department manual that categorizes the killing of survivors from a shipwreck as a clear violation of the laws of war.
According to reports, the incident involved a missile strike on a suspected drug-smuggling boat, which resulted in the deaths of at least 11 individuals initially, followed by further casualties during a second strike. King highlighted that there was a significant gap of approximately 40 minutes between the first and second strikes, during which survivors appeared to be waving in surrender, as noted in a report by The Atlantic.
In his remarks, King stated, “We need to see all of that. We need to see the logs of the decisions.” He criticized the military’s decision to withhold the video footage, pointing out that the day after the first strike, Pete Hegseth, a prominent figure in the military operation, showcased the footage on Fox News, expressing pride in the action taken.
The senator’s call for transparency comes amid mounting scrutiny of the Pentagon’s handling of the incident. While some congressional lawmakers have been briefed on the events, King expressed concern that only a limited number of officials have had access to the video footage. “You can’t say that we can’t see this tape,” he asserted, emphasizing the public’s right to be informed.
The incident has drawn varied responses from lawmakers. Rep. Adam Smith, a Democrat, has also voiced his support for releasing the video, arguing that it could clarify the circumstances surrounding the controversial actions taken by the military. Meanwhile, Senator Tom Cotton, chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, has publicly supported the call for transparency, aligning with the broader push for accountability regarding military operations.
Defense Secretary Hegseth has faced criticism for his reluctance to commit to releasing the video footage. He has reiterated that the second strike was authorized by Adm. Frank ‘Mitch’ Bradley, maintaining that the military’s actions were justified. However, conflicting accounts regarding the authorization and the nature of the strikes have fueled debate among lawmakers and the public.
As the discussion continues, the implications of the incident reach beyond military protocol. If the claims regarding the treatment of survivors are confirmed, they could constitute serious violations of international law. Senator King’s insistence on releasing the full tape reflects a growing demand for accountability in military operations and the necessity of transparency in government actions.
The public’s right to information in such critical matters is a fundamental aspect of democratic governance. As the situation develops, many will be watching to see whether the Pentagon heeds calls for transparency and accountability regarding the Caribbean boat strike incident.
