Senator Mark Kelly Questions Legality of Caribbean Airstrike

Senator Mark Kelly has raised serious concerns regarding a recent airstrike on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean, suggesting it could constitute a war crime. The airstrike, reportedly executed on September 2, 2025, was allegedly ordered by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who directed military personnel to “kill them all.” Kelly, a former Navy pilot with over two decades of service, expressed his apprehensions during an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union.”

The senator highlighted a report from the Washington Post detailing the double-tap strike, which involves hitting a target multiple times to ensure destruction. In his remarks, Kelly stated, “If what has been reported is accurate, I’ve got serious concerns about anybody in that chain of command stepping over a line that they should never step over.” He emphasized the importance of adhering to lawful military conduct, noting that service members should be respected and revered.

Kelly’s criticisms come after he previously faced scrutiny from the Trump administration for a video he participated in, which reminded military personnel of their duty to disregard unlawful orders. Reflecting on the recent incident, he declared that he would have refused to execute an order for a secondary strike on survivors. “I have sunk two ships,” he explained. “I never, in that situation, questioned whether those strikes were legal. Going after survivors in the water, that is clearly not lawful.”

Hegseth has denied the allegations, labeling the Washington Post report as “fake news.” He asserted via social media that current military operations in the Caribbean are lawful under both U.S. and international law. Hegseth stated, “All actions are in compliance with the law of armed conflict—and approved by the best military and civilian lawyers, up and down the chain of command.”

Kelly did not hold back in his criticism of Hegseth’s qualifications for his role. He described Hegseth as the “least qualified” person to ever hold the position of Secretary of Defense and expressed his belief that the current administration lacks a proper understanding of the Constitution. “He should have been fired after Signalgate. Now, he should be fired for this,” Kelly asserted.

The senator’s statements have drawn significant attention, highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding military conduct and accountability. As this situation unfolds, the implications for U.S. military policy and international law remain a point of concern for many observers.