Hegseth cites ‘fog of war’ in defending follow-up strike on alleged drug boat

The Washington Post first reported that the US defence secretary had issued a verbal order for the second strike that killed survivors on the boat (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP)

US defence secretary Pete Hegseth cited the “fog of war” in defending a follow-up strike on an alleged drug-carrying boat in the Caribbean Sea earlier this year.

Speaking during a cabinet meeting at the White House, Mr Hegseth said he did not see there were survivors in the water when the second strike was ordered and launched in early September, saying that “the thing was on fire” and citing the “fog of war” in defending the strike.

Mr Hegseth also said he “didn’t stick around” for the remainder of the mission following the first strike, and that the admiral in charge had “made the right call” in ordering it, which he “had complete authority to do”.

US secretary of defence Pete Hegseth, right, was sat next to US president Donald Trump, left, at a cabinet meeting in the White House (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP

The Washington Post first reported that Mr Hegseth had issued a verbal order for the second strike that killed survivors on the boat.

On Monday, the White House said that vice admiral Frank “Mitch” Bradley had acted “within his authority and the law” when he ordered the second strike.

Politicians have announced congressional reviews of the US military strikes against vessels suspected of smuggling drugs, and vice admiral Bradley was expected to provide a classified briefing on Thursday to politicians overseeing the military.

Asked if he supported the second strike on a boat in the Caribbean Sea in September, US president Donald Trump said he “didn’t know anything” and “still haven’t gotten a lot of information because I rely on Pete”, referencing Mr Hegseth.