Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Saturday (local time) defended the strikes on suspected drug cartel vessels during remarks at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, stating that President Donald Trump has the authority to take military action “as he sees fit” to defend the country, according to AP .

Hegseth downplayed concerns about the strikes, which have resulted in more than 80 deaths and are now under close examination over potential violations of international law. He argued that the strikes are warranted to protect Americans, comparing the operations to the war on terror after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.

“President Trump can and will take decisive military action as he sees fit to defend our nation’s interests. Let no country on earth doubt that for a moment,” he added. Als

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