Pentagon Faces Scrutiny Over Edited Video of Deadly Boat Attack in Pacific
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, the Pentagon is facing growing criticism over its handling of a video depicting a controversial military operation.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated that the Pentagon will not publicly release the full, unedited video of the September 2 military strike on a boat suspected of drug smuggling. The attack, which took place in the Pacific Ocean, resulted in the deaths of 11 people.
Hegseth cited the video’s highly classified nature and potential conflict with long-standing Department of Defense policies as reasons for the decision. He noted the video would only be accessible to members of the Congressional Armed Services Committees and certain legislators involved with defense budgeting.
This stance has drawn criticism from Democrats and some Republicans. Critics argue that withholding the full video contradicts the principle of transparency, especially given the circulation of edited portions of the attack on social media.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has called for the video to be made available to all members of Congress. A central point of contention is whether a second attack on two survivors approximately 40 minutes after the initial strike could constitute a war crime.
Democrats insist the survivors were incapacitated and should have been rescued, while some Republicans contend they still posed a threat. The commander who issued the order for the attack is scheduled to provide further explanation in closed-door congressional hearings.
