Minab, 175 Dead and a Tomahawk - One Video and 116 Meters<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe criticism does not stop at individual decisions. It targets the tone and the overall line. On March 13, Hegseth had declared that there would be \"no mercy\" and \"no restraint for our enemies.\" For Elizabeth Warren and Chris Van Hollen, that is more than rhetoric. Such an order, they write, clearly violates the law of armed conflict and even the Pentagon\u2019s own manual. Anyone who takes no prisoners also targets the wounded who can no longer fight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to their warning, this endangers not only civilians but also their own soldiers. Rules that collapse come back. Discipline erodes, and what one orders can be mirrored by the enemy. In addition, there is a decision that is less visible but has deep consequences. Shortly after taking office, Hegseth scaled back structures within the Pentagon that were specifically designed to prevent civilian casualties. Programs built up over years are being reduced or eliminated. For the senators, this marks a break with a line that had been maintained across multiple administrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The accusation therefore goes beyond individual strikes. It targets the foundation of military conduct. Protecting civilians is not an option, but a requirement for any operation. Ignoring this weakens one\u2019s own military. Elizabeth Warren puts it plainly. Thousands of innocent people have died after programs aimed at preventing civilian casualties were rolled back. Hegseth\u2019s approach is chaotic and dangerous, for civilians as well as for American soldiers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So far, there has been no response from the Pentagon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n