Multiple Agencies Weigh in on Potential Illegal Orders by Pentagon Official Over Deadly Caribbean Raid
Congressional investigations have begun into allegations that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered a deadly follow-up attack on survivors of an earlier raid, with some experts citing potential violations of international and US criminal law. As the facts remain unclear, several investigative bodies could potentially shed light on the matter.
In theory, Congress has the authority to launch its own investigation into the incident, utilizing the House Armed Services Committee or Foreign Relations Committee to gather information and issue subpoenas. However, previous congressional investigations have often been hampered by partisan politics, which may impact the impartiality of this inquiry as well.
The US Attorney General's office could also be involved in investigating potential crimes committed during the raid. A federal grand jury could convene to determine if there is probable cause that a crime has been committed. However, given the administration's assertion that the actions were lawful and the men killed posed a threat, it's unlikely that the Attorney General would pursue charges.
Another avenue of investigation could be through the Department of Defense's Inspector General. In the past, this office has uncovered wrongdoing in the department and led to prosecutions. Nevertheless, senior officials like Hegseth are not subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice or other military discipline, as they fall outside its jurisdiction.
Forced to confront potential accountability through international law, courts outside the US may also scrutinize the matter. The International Court of Justice has previously addressed similar claims made by countries such as Nicaragua in 1986, but it remains unclear whether this mechanism will be employed in Hegseth's case.
While no clear conclusions have been reached yet, multiple agencies are poised to potentially examine the facts surrounding this incident and render judgments based on their findings.
Congressional investigations have begun into allegations that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered a deadly follow-up attack on survivors of an earlier raid, with some experts citing potential violations of international and US criminal law. As the facts remain unclear, several investigative bodies could potentially shed light on the matter.
In theory, Congress has the authority to launch its own investigation into the incident, utilizing the House Armed Services Committee or Foreign Relations Committee to gather information and issue subpoenas. However, previous congressional investigations have often been hampered by partisan politics, which may impact the impartiality of this inquiry as well.
The US Attorney General's office could also be involved in investigating potential crimes committed during the raid. A federal grand jury could convene to determine if there is probable cause that a crime has been committed. However, given the administration's assertion that the actions were lawful and the men killed posed a threat, it's unlikely that the Attorney General would pursue charges.
Another avenue of investigation could be through the Department of Defense's Inspector General. In the past, this office has uncovered wrongdoing in the department and led to prosecutions. Nevertheless, senior officials like Hegseth are not subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice or other military discipline, as they fall outside its jurisdiction.
Forced to confront potential accountability through international law, courts outside the US may also scrutinize the matter. The International Court of Justice has previously addressed similar claims made by countries such as Nicaragua in 1986, but it remains unclear whether this mechanism will be employed in Hegseth's case.
While no clear conclusions have been reached yet, multiple agencies are poised to potentially examine the facts surrounding this incident and render judgments based on their findings.