The remarks came during a Q&A session at the Reagan National Defense Forum in Simi Valley, California, where Hegseth emphasized that the Pentagon is still evaluating what can be made public. “Operational security and responsible review are critical,” he noted.
"We're reviewing the process, and we'll see. Whatever we were to decide to release, we'd have to be very responsible about reviewing that right now," Hegseth said.
Background of the September Operation
According to earlier Pentagon statements, the operation targeted a small vessel suspected of transporting narcotics in Caribbean waters. The boat was first engaged by U.S. forces after it allegedly ignored commands to stop and attempted to flee.
However, the controversy centers around the second strike — carried out moments after the initial attack — which reportedly affected individuals already in the water. This has raised concerns about the rules of engagement and the proportionality of force used.
Human rights advocates and some lawmakers have demanded transparency, urging the Pentagon to release available video footage to clarify the circumstances under which the second strike was ordered.
Growing Pressure on the Pentagon
Several members of Congress have already called for a full review of the incident. They argue that releasing the footage could provide crucial context and ensure accountability, especially in cases involving potential civilian or non-combatant casualties.
Pentagon officials maintain that certain operational details, if released prematurely, could compromise ongoing missions or expose sensitive tactics. Nonetheless, the pressure for public disclosure continues to build.
A senior defense analyst commented that incidents like this are rare but highlight the broader debate around transparency in U.S. counter-narcotics operations overseas. “There is always a balance between national security and public accountability,” the analyst said.
Why the Video Matters
- The footage could confirm whether survivors posed any ongoing threat.
- It may reveal whether the second strike aligns with U.S. military engagement rules.
- It could help determine if there were miscommunications or procedural errors during the mission.
- Transparency could improve public trust in U.S. military operations abroad.
For now, the Pentagon has stated only that the review is ongoing. It remains unclear whether the video will be released in full, partially redacted, or withheld entirely.
Hegseth concluded by saying the department’s priority is accuracy and responsibility in any public disclosure. “We must handle sensitive material carefully,” he said.
This is a developing story, and updates will follow as more information becomes available from the Pentagon and congressional oversight committees.