BREAKING: The Pentagon has just announced it will NOT release the full unedited video of a controversial military strike on a drug boat that resulted in the deaths of 11 individuals on September 2, 2025. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed this decision during a press briefing today, calling the video “top secret” and citing longstanding Department of War policy.
This decision has sparked immediate backlash from both Democrats and some Republicans who argue that the video should be shared with all lawmakers to ensure transparency. Senator Lindsey Graham stated, “I think the video should be given to everybody in Congress,” emphasizing the need to show that the operation was lawful.
The September 2 attack, which was executed in multiple strikes, has raised serious concerns among lawmakers regarding potential violations of international law. Some lawmakers have suggested the military action may amount to a war crime. Reports indicate that the first strike killed nine of the 11 people aboard, followed by a second strike that targeted the remaining survivors roughly 40 minutes later.
In a closed-door briefing, Hegseth reiterated that while members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees will have access to the video, it will remain undisclosed to the general public. This has left many lawmakers frustrated, as Secretary of State Marco Rubio also attended the briefing without providing additional clarity.
Amid mounting pressure, Hegseth previously indicated that he would defer to President Donald Trump regarding the release of the video, initially suggesting on December 3 that it would be made public. However, he has since backtracked, stating, “In keeping with longstanding Department of War policy, of course we’re not going to release a top secret full unedited video of that to the general public.”
Compounding the urgency of this situation, Admiral Mitch Bradley, who ordered the strikes, is expected to return to Capitol Hill on December 17 to brief the armed services committees further. This briefing could reveal more details regarding the military’s rationale for the strikes and the conditions of the survivors.
Lawmakers are divided over the circumstances surrounding the attack. While Democrats argue that the survivors were non-combatants deserving of rescue, Republican Senator Tom Cotton maintained that the survivors were attempting to “flip” the boat to continue fighting.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has challenged Hegseth’s rationale, suggesting that if classification is a barrier, the video should be shown to every senator in a classified setting.
The implications of this decision are profound, raising questions about military accountability and adherence to international law. As this story develops, the political ramifications could reverberate across both parties in Congress.
Stay tuned for further updates as this situation unfolds, and we will continue to bring you the latest developments.
