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December 03, 2025
Hegseth cites 'fog of war' in defending follow-on strike in attack on alleged drug boat
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth cited the "fog of war" in defending a follow-up strike on an alleged drug-carrying boat in the Caribbean Sea this year.
**Hegseth Cites 'Fog of War' in Defending Follow-On Strike in Attack on Alleged Drug Boat**
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has invoked the "fog of war" to justify a controversial follow-on strike conducted during an operation targeting a vessel suspected of trafficking drugs in the Caribbean Sea earlier this year. The incident, which involved an initial attack followed by a subsequent strike on the same target, has raised questions about the decision-making process and the justification for the second engagement.
The phrase "fog of war" is often used to describe the uncertainty and confusion that can arise during military operations, where incomplete information, rapidly changing circumstances, and miscommunication can cloud judgment. Hegseth's use of the term suggests that the initial assessment of the situation may have been unclear, leading to the need for a second strike.
While details of the specific operation remain somewhat limited, it is understood that the initial strike was intended to disable the vessel, preventing it from reaching its intended destination and delivering its illicit cargo. However, according to Hegseth, the situation on the ground, or rather, on the water, remained ambiguous after the initial engagement. This ambiguity, he argues, necessitated the follow-on strike to ensure the mission's objectives were fully achieved and the threat posed by the vessel was neutralized.
The Defense Secretary's defense comes amidst scrutiny from some quarters regarding the proportionality of the response and whether the second strike was truly necessary. Critics argue that a more thorough assessment should have been conducted after the initial attack before resorting to further military action. Concerns have also been raised about potential collateral damage or unintended consequences resulting from the follow-on strike.
However, Hegseth maintains that the decision was made in the best interests of national security and in accordance with established protocols. He emphasized the importance of disrupting drug trafficking operations in the Caribbean Sea and preventing the flow of illegal substances into the country. He further asserted that the "fog of war" created a challenging environment where quick decisions had to be made based on the available information, and that the follow-on strike was a justifiable response under those circumstances. The incident continues to be reviewed internally within the Department of Defense.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has invoked the "fog of war" to justify a controversial follow-on strike conducted during an operation targeting a vessel suspected of trafficking drugs in the Caribbean Sea earlier this year. The incident, which involved an initial attack followed by a subsequent strike on the same target, has raised questions about the decision-making process and the justification for the second engagement.
The phrase "fog of war" is often used to describe the uncertainty and confusion that can arise during military operations, where incomplete information, rapidly changing circumstances, and miscommunication can cloud judgment. Hegseth's use of the term suggests that the initial assessment of the situation may have been unclear, leading to the need for a second strike.
While details of the specific operation remain somewhat limited, it is understood that the initial strike was intended to disable the vessel, preventing it from reaching its intended destination and delivering its illicit cargo. However, according to Hegseth, the situation on the ground, or rather, on the water, remained ambiguous after the initial engagement. This ambiguity, he argues, necessitated the follow-on strike to ensure the mission's objectives were fully achieved and the threat posed by the vessel was neutralized.
The Defense Secretary's defense comes amidst scrutiny from some quarters regarding the proportionality of the response and whether the second strike was truly necessary. Critics argue that a more thorough assessment should have been conducted after the initial attack before resorting to further military action. Concerns have also been raised about potential collateral damage or unintended consequences resulting from the follow-on strike.
However, Hegseth maintains that the decision was made in the best interests of national security and in accordance with established protocols. He emphasized the importance of disrupting drug trafficking operations in the Caribbean Sea and preventing the flow of illegal substances into the country. He further asserted that the "fog of war" created a challenging environment where quick decisions had to be made based on the available information, and that the follow-on strike was a justifiable response under those circumstances. The incident continues to be reviewed internally within the Department of Defense.
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