The Pentagon will not release the full, unedited video of a controversial September 2 strike on a suspected drug boat off the coast of Venezuela, according to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. He stated that the video is classified as “top secret” and will not be made public, but it will be shown to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees. Hegseth emphasized that this decision aligns with long-standing Department of Defense policy.
The strike, aimed at countering drug trafficking operations, has sparked debate over its legality and transparency. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has demanded that all senators be allowed to view the unedited footage, but Hegseth has refused, citing security concerns. After a classified briefing, some lawmakers, including GOP Sen. Eric Schmitt, expressed satisfaction with the Pentagon’s explanations, while others, like Sen. Richard Blumenthal, called for more transparency.
The operation, led by Navy Adm. Frank Bradley, is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks. Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the mission’s focus on combating organizations that threaten the U.S. with illegal drugs. Despite the controversy, the Pentagon maintains that the strike was a necessary measure to protect national security.
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