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International Business Times UK
International Business Times UK
World
Chelsie Napiza

Hegseth Sets Up Admiral Bradley As 'Fall Guy' For His Alleged War Crime

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth addresses senior military officials. (Credit: IBT)

The US military's strike on a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean on 2 September 2025 has ignited a fierce debate over accountability, with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth publicly positioning Frank M. Bradley, then head of the elite Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), as the sole decision-maker responsible for the deadly follow-up attack that killed survivors.

In a blunt statement, Hegseth hailed Bradley as 'an American hero ... a true professional' with 'my 100% support', while the administration insisted the strike was lawful.

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