Rep. Himes Dismisses Pete Hegseth's Credibility on Boat Strikes

Representative Jim Himes, the leading Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, expressed on Sunday that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth lacks reliability regarding the September incidents involving strikes on a purported drug trafficking vessel. Himes criticized the Pentagon’s evolving explanations about the subsequent strike that has been under intense examination lately.

During a confidential briefing on Capitol Hill last week, Himes and other lawmakers were informed about the Trump administration's operations targeting suspected drug boats off the coast of South America. The briefing featured video footage of a second strike on a Venezuelan vessel, following a Washington Post report detailing an attack that resulted in the death of two survivors from an initial strike.

The Connecticut Democrat shared with journalists that the session was one of the most distressing experiences he has encountered throughout his career in public service.

Himes stressed the importance of releasing the video footage to the public, noting that lawmakers' interpretations of the video were sharply divided along party lines. He emphasized that public viewing of the video is crucial for American citizens to draw their own conclusions.

Having spent considerable time examining videos of U.S. military engagements, Himes recounted being deeply affected by the footage of the September 2nd strikes.

The operation was part of the administration's initial efforts against suspected drug operatives in the Southern Hemisphere. Following this, over 20 more strikes have been conducted, leading to over 80 fatalities. Legislators have criticized these actions, as they lacked congressional authorization, though the administration argues that labeling drug syndicates as terrorist groups grants them legal justification. Nevertheless, they have not substantiated the claim that these were cartel-operated vessels.

Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton, a Republican and head of the Senate Intelligence Committee, disputed Himes’ perspective on the video during a different briefing. Cotton stated on "Meet the Press" that the individuals on the vessel were not incapacitated and justified the subsequent strike to destroy the cargo.

Senator Cotton argued that the individuals appeared to be on top of a capsized vessel and not helplessly afloat.

Responding to Cotton's remarks, Himes countered on "Face the Nation" that the activities of the individuals were crucial to determining their status as legitimate targets.

To legally engage in combat, individuals must pose a threat, Himes argued, explaining that if they are no longer a threat, it contravenes wartime legality to attack them.

Briefings were led by General Dan Caine and Admiral Frank Bradley, who directed the operation. Himes relayed how even esteemed personnel like Bradley might face difficult decisions under pressure to follow orders they might otherwise question.

In an address at the Reagan National Defense Forum, Hegseth described his involvement in the September 2nd strikes, asserting that the operation was necessary due to active threats, including potential communications and other dangers still available on the boat.

During an interview, Himes expressed uncertainty over Hegseth's exact role in the operation, maintaining that Hegseth's statements reflected a lack of clear credibility.