Hegseth defends lethal strikes against alleged drug traffickers: ‘Biden coddled terrorists, we kill them’
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Secretary of War Pete Hegseth defended the Trump administration’s military actions against suspected drug traffickers in the Caribbean, asserting that the current Biden administration takes a more lenient approach towards terrorism. Hegseth’s comments followed reports from major news outlets, including The Washington Post and CNN, detailing a second U.S. military strike on a suspected drug vessel on September 2, which was ordered after two survivors emerged from the initial attack. According to a secure conference call among military commanders, the survivors were deemed legitimate targets due to their potential to contact other traffickers for assistance, leading to the directive that “everyone must be killed” under Hegseth’s orders.
Hegseth’s post emphasized the Trump administration’s commitment to aggressive military action against drug trafficking, framing their operations as “lethal, kinetic strikes” aimed at dismantling narco-terrorist organizations that threaten American communities. He criticized the Biden administration for what he termed a “kid gloves approach,” alleging that it allowed dangerous cartels to infiltrate the U.S. He proclaimed that every trafficker targeted by U.S. forces is linked to a Designated Terrorist Organization, reinforcing the legality and moral justification of their actions under both U.S. and international law. This rhetoric aligns with President Trump’s recent statements, where he indicated a forthcoming strategy to combat Venezuelan drug traffickers by land, claiming that current efforts have significantly curtailed drug shipments by sea.
The ongoing debate surrounding these military strikes reflects broader tensions in U.S. drug policy and national security strategies. As the Trump administration positions itself as tough on crime and terrorism, the Biden administration faces scrutiny over its approach to border security and drug trafficking. Hegseth’s declaration that “we have only just begun to kill narco-terrorists” signals a continued commitment to military action as a primary tool in combating drug-related violence, raising questions about the effectiveness and ethical implications of such strategies in addressing the complex issues of drug trafficking and terrorism. As this narrative unfolds, it underscores the polarized views on national security and law enforcement in America today.
Secretary of War
Pete Hegseth
wrote on X that “Biden coddled terrorists, we kill them,” in a post defending the Trump administration’s strikes on alleged drug vessels in the Caribbean Sea.Â
The declaration came following reports from outlets such as The Washington Post and CNN claiming the U.S. military ordered a second strike on a suspected drug vessel in the Caribbean
on Sept. 2
after the initial attack left two survivors. Â
The commander overseeing that operation told colleagues on a secure conference call that the survivors were legitimate targets because they could still contact other traffickers for help and ordered the second strike to comply with a directive from Hegseth that everyone must be killed, according to
The Washington Post.Â
“As usual, the fake news is delivering more fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory reporting to discredit our incredible warriors fighting to protect the homeland,” Hegseth wrote on X on Friday.Â
TRUMP SAYS US WILL BEGIN STOPPING VENEZUELAN DRUG TRAFFICKERS BY LAND
“As we’ve said from the beginning, and in every statement, these highly effective strikes are specifically intended to be ‘
lethal, kinetic strikes
.’ The declared intent is to stop lethal drugs, destroy narco-boats, and kill
the narco-terrorists
who are poisoning the American people. Every trafficker we kill is affiliated with a Designated Terrorist Organization,” Hegseth continued.Â
“The Biden administration preferred the kid gloves approach, allowing millions of people — including dangerous cartels and unvetted Afghans — to flood our communities with drugs and violence. The Trump administration has sealed the border and gone on offense against narco-terrorists. Biden coddled terrorists, we kill them,” he added.Â
Hegseth also said, “Our current operations in the Caribbean are lawful under both U.S. and international law, with all actions in compliance with the law of armed conflict — and approved by the best military and civilian lawyers, up and down the chain of command.”
US FORCES KILL 3 NARCO-TERRORISTS IN EASTERN PACIFIC LETHAL STRIKE OPERATION TARGETING DRUG NETWORKS
In a separate post on his personal X account, Hegseth wrote, “We have only just begun to kill narco-terrorists.”Â
Fox News Digital has reached out to a Biden spokesperson for comment.
President
Donald Trump
also said on Thursday said the U.S. will “very soon” begin stopping suspected Venezuelan drug traffickers “by land.”Â
“From sending their poisons into the United States, where they kill hundreds of thousands of people a year — but we’re going to take care of that situation,” Trump said. “We’re already doing a lot … It’s about 85%Â
stopped by sea.”
Â
The president added, “You probably noticed that now people aren’t wanting to be delivering by sea, and we’ll be starting to stop them by land also. The land is easier, but that’s going to start very soon.”Â
Fox News’ Sophia Compton contributed to this report.
