Former Defense Official Labels Second Strike on Drug Vessel as 'War Crime'

The White House has acknowledged that a U.S. operation in September, targeting a suspected drug-carrying ship, involved multiple attacks on the same vessel. This statement aligns with a report from the Washington Post, which suggested that a second assault aimed to eliminate any survivors of the first strike.

Panetta's Criticism

Leon Panetta, who previously served as Secretary of Defense, expressed his views on these actions during a conversation with John Dickerson, a co-anchor on the 'CBS Evening News.'

Panetta underscored the gravity of the situation, labeling the second strike a 'war crime,' highlighting the ethical and legal ramifications of targeting a vessel twice with the intention of destroying remaining survivors.