Name: Calls grow for video of second U.S. strike on alleged drug boat
Uploaded: 2025-12-08T02:20:47.678Z
Duration: 2 min 30 s
Description: Some lawmakers are calling for the release of video showing the second strike that killed survivors of an initial U.S. military attack last September against an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean.

Some lawmakers are calling for the release of video showing the second strike that killed survivors of an initial U.S. military attack last September against an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean.

Washington

Calls are increasing for the Trump administration to release classified video footage of a second U.S. military strike on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean, which resulted in the deaths of two survivors. Lawmakers, including Congressman Jim Himes, argue that public access to the video is necessary for transparency, while administration officials defend the operation as part of anti-narco-terrorist efforts and confirm an ongoing review of the incident.

The controversy centers on whether the survivors posed a continued threat and if the strike complied with the laws of war. President Trump and other officials have indicated openness to releasing the video, but no decision has been made. Legal experts emphasize the importance of distinguishing between combatants and non-combatants in such operations.

Calls grow for video of second U.S. strike on alleged drug boat

Good evening, everyone, and thank you for joining us on this Sunday. Tonight, President Trump is taking on a starring role at the marquee event in the nation's capital. He'll be at the Kennedy Center Honors hosting a tribute to actors Sylvester Stallone and Michael Crawford, singers Gloria Gaynor and George Strait, along with the rock band Kiss. It is happening with scrutiny of the Trump administration's strikes on suspected drug boats intensifying. More than 80 people have now been killed. CBS's Willie James Endman leads us off tonight from the White House with more on that. Willie James. Jerrica, good evening to you. Lawmakers are demanding answers about the controversial double strike of an alleged drug boat that killed two survivors. This weekend, new demands for a full accounting of the U.S. military attack last September on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean. Some lawmakers want classified video of the second strike that killed survivors released. But Jim Himes saw it during a closed door briefing. Today, he told CBS News the public needs to see it too. I think it's really important that people see what it looks like when the full force of the United States military is turned on two guys who are clinging to a piece of wood and about to go under. Republican Senator Tom Cotton says he's not against releasing the video, but defended the strikes. It looked at one point like they were trying to flip the boat back over, presumably to rescue its cargo and continue their mission. U.S. Secretary Pete Hexeth has found himself in the hot seat as details of the attack emerged. This weekend, he defended the Trump administration's efforts to go after so-called narco-terrorists and said the second strike was justified. There was a link-up point of another potential boat. Drugs were still there. They were actively interacting with them. Had to take that read. I said, Roger, sounds good. Hexeth would not say whether the video of the second strike would be released, but said a review is underway. But critics are seizing on President Trump's own comments on the controversy. I don't know what they have, but whatever they have, we'd certainly release, no problem. Under the law, if someone has been struck and continues to engage in hostilities, points a gun at you, has a gun, they may be a legitimate target. But if they are outside of combat, they are not. And attacking them is a violation of the laws of war. Right, for the first time as President, Mr. Trump attends the Kennedy Center Honors. He's also hosting them, another first for a president. Jerika? Willie James Emmon at the White House.

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