Quill Lawrence

attack.

Military experts say that would be a war crime or, with no declared war, simply murder.

NPR and others reported that the second strike was authorized by Hegseth.

President Trump said he knew nothing about it.

And the White House says Navy Admiral Frank Bradley carried out the order, including the second strike that killed all survivors.

But a U.S.

official who is not authorized to speak publicly told NPR that Hegseth was the target engagement authority and gave an either verbal or written command to the admiral ordering two strikes to kill and two additional strikes to sink the boat.

Hegseth is expected to appear soon in Congress to defend the controversial strikes.

Quill Lawrence, NPR News.

One of the strikes on alleged drug smuggling boats in September left survivors.

They were killed by a second U.S.

attack.

Military experts say that would be a war crime or, with no declared war, simply murder.

NPR and others reported that the second strike was authorized by HEGSETH.

President Trump said he knew nothing about it, and the White House says Navy Admiral Frank Bradley carried out the order, including the second strike that killed all survivors.

But a U.S.

official who was not authorized to speak publicly told NPR that Hegseth was the target engagement authority and gave an either verbal or written command to the admiral, ordering two strikes to kill and two additional strikes to sink the boat.

Hegseth is expected to appear soon in Congress to defend the controversial strikes.

Quill Lawrence, NPR News.

Kelly, a former combat pilot and astronaut, joined five other Democratic lawmakers with military and intelligence backgrounds last week in a message to U.S.