Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Tony Shaffer on Newsmax on Monday slammed claims surrounding alleged U.S. follow-up air strikes in the Caribbean as a Democrat "canard" and a political "distraction."
Shaffer discussed the controversy on "Wake Up America Early" after reports emerged that two survivors were killed in what some senators claim were unauthorized second strikes.
"This is a false narrative," Shaffer said. "I've been in combat. Anybody who wants to understand the lethal authorization process can read my book, "Operation Dark Heart." We have a whole chapter devoted to this. This is a complete fiction."
Shaffer explained that military operations targeting threats like drug-running vessels are guided by clear rules of engagement.
"You basically give guidance to destroy the target, period," he said. "Will everybody die? No. Will military leaders on the spot decide if they want a second strike? Yes. But I don't believe President [Donald] Trump or [Secretary of War] Pete Hegseth purposely authorized second strikes."
He suggested the story gained traction after someone "talked out of school," turning observations into a mainstream media narrative he likened to "Russia collusion narrative 3.0."
Shaffer added that critics such as Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., were using the controversy to distract from other political scrutiny, including Kelly's own ongoing investigation for alleged sedition.
Shaffer reiterated that while the media and political left focus on alleged second strikes, the real priority remains ensuring that U.S. military operations are understood properly and that foreign policy initiatives remain on track.
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