WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA-December 8th, 2025
Members of Congress from both political parties are calling for the release of a classified video, which, according to officials who viewed it in closed briefings, shows a United States military strike carried out on September 2nd in the Caribbean Sea and a second strike that killed 2 survivors near the wreckage. Their requests have continued since the briefings ended, and they come at a time when senior officials within the administration of PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP are defending the mission and the broader campaign known as Operation Southern Spear.
According to an official account released by THE WAR DEPARTMENT, Operation Southern Spear has resulted in 21 kinetic strikes and 82 people identified as narco terrorists killed. PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY KINGSLEY WILSON said that each strike underwent review under United States law and international law, and that both military and civilian legal advisors examined the decisions taken by commanders. She stated that the operation followed the Law of Armed Conflict and that the missions targeted organizations designated as terrorist entities.
The department’s description of the footage states that the recording from September 2nd begins with a strike on what was identified as an alleged narco terrorist vessel. After questions were publicly raised about the follow up strike that killed 2 survivors, THE WHITE HOUSE issued an outline of the chain of command. In an on the record briefing, WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY KAROLINE LEAVITT said that SECRETARY OF WAR PETE HEGSETH authorized the special operations mission, and that ADMIRAL FRANK MITCH BRADLEY, the commander of United States Special Operations forces, issued the order for the second strike while acting within his authority.
U.S. SOUTHERN COMMAND confirmed that account and stated that special operations leadership decided upon the second strike during the course of Operation Southern Spear.
In public remarks, PETE HEGSETH defended the strike carried out on September 2nd and the broader campaign itself. He said that the targets involved were narco terrorists and that the purpose of the operation is to remove such actors from the Western Hemisphere. He denied giving any unlawful directive and stated that he did not order the killing of survivors. He also expressed support for ADMIRAL BRADLEY and the commanders responsible for the mission.
After viewing the recording in classified settings, several Democratic lawmakers urged THE PENTAGON to release the full video. ADAM SMITH, the leading Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, said that the American people should be able to examine the footage directly. JIM HIMES, the leading Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said that the material is among the most troubling he has seen while in office. TAMMY DUCKWORTH, ADAM SCHIFF, and JACK REED also called for the release of the unedited recording.
In the Senate, MARK KELLY said that lawmakers may consider issuing a subpoena if the video is not released voluntarily. He said that Congress has a responsibility to review the use of lethal force and that transparency, when compatible with security requirements, serves the public interest.
Among Republicans, TOM COTTON, the chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said that he believes the strikes were lawful. He expressed no objection to releasing the recording if THE PENTAGON chooses to declassify it and said that he does not believe the footage shows improper conduct.
PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP also commented. He said that he supports firm action against drug vessels and does not object to releasing the video, provided it is reviewed through the proper process. He said that he distinguishes between supporting the initial strike on the vessel and speaking directly to the decision involving individuals who remained in the water.
PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY KINGSLEY WILSON said that THE WAR DEPARTMENT is reviewing what information may be released. She said that the recording remains classified as of this date and did not provide a timeline for potential declassification.
The only first hand information available consists of public statements issued by THE WAR DEPARTMENT, THE WHITE HOUSE, U.S. SOUTHERN COMMAND, PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY KINGSLEY WILSON, PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP, SECRETARY OF WAR PETE HEGSETH, ADMIRAL FRANK MITCH BRADLEY, ADAM SMITH, JIM HIMES, TAMMY DUCKWORTH, ADAM SCHIFF, JACK REED, MARK KELLY, and TOM COTTON. All other descriptions originate from secondary reporting based on these statements.
The Appalachian Post is an independent West Virginia news outlet dedicated to clean, verified, first-hand reporting. We do not publish rumors. We do not run speculation. Every fact we present must be supported by original documentation, official statements, or direct evidence. When secondary sources are used, we clearly identify them and never treat them as first-hand confirmation. We avoid loaded language, emotional framing, or accusatory wording, and we do not attack individuals, organizations, or other news outlets. Our role is to report only what can be verified through first-hand sources and allow readers to form their own interpretations. If we cannot confirm a claim using original evidence, we state clearly that we reviewed first-hand sources and could not find documentation confirming it. Our commitment is simple: honest reporting, transparent sourcing, and zero speculation.
Sources
• THE WAR DEPARTMENT
• PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY KINGSLEY WILSON
• THE WHITE HOUSE
• U.S. SOUTHERN COMMAND
• PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP
• SECRETARY OF WAR PETE HEGSETH
• ADMIRAL FRANK MITCH BRADLEY
• ADAM SMITH
• JIM HIMES
• TAMMY DUCKWORTH
• ADAM SCHIFF
• JACK REED
• MARK KELLY
• TOM COTTON
Appalachian Post 
Leave a comment