On Sept. 2 in waters off Trinidad , U.S. forces struck a vessel with 11 suspected drug smugglers , leaving two survivors. A Washington Post report, citing officials, says a commander followed Hegseth's directive to ' kill everybody ,' prompting concerns from legal experts and bipartisan lawmakers about possible Geneva Conventions violations . Hegseth denies the claims as fabricated and lawful, with President Trump offering full support, while Congress pushes for Pentagon records amid ongoing investigations. Hegseth later shared a mocking image of FRANKLIN AIRDROP IS LIVE AND BORIS GONNA SCAM US ALL the Turtle in combat gear targeting drug boats.