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The Defense Department has expanded military commanders’ authority to conduct airstrikes and special operations beyond traditional combat zones, following a directive from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
During his initial overseas visit, Hegseth met with U.S. Africa Command leadership in Germany where he signed the new directive that reduces policy restrictions and executive oversight on military operations.
The U.S. Africa Command released a statement describing the secretary’s meeting, saying: “The secretary met with senior leaders to discuss strategic priorities, regional threats, and cooperation with allies and partners. He emphasized the Department of Defense’s commitment to enhancing lethality, improving force readiness, and strengthening partnerships to counter emerging threats and maintain stability.”
Lethality. Warfighting. Readiness. Those are the priorities addressed today by @SecDef Pete Hegseth as he arrived at the Pentagon today. pic.twitter.com/GNVFeXe14T
— Department of Defense 🇺🇸 (@DeptofDefense) January 27, 2025
This policy shift mirrors the aggressive counterterrorism approach implemented during Donald Trump’s first presidential term. Military commanders now have broader discretion in selecting targets, according to sources who spoke with CBS News.
A defense official noted that this streamlined approach could more rapidly diminish terrorist organizations’ operational capabilities, citing reduced authorization requirements and expanded target options.
Pentagon discussions have identified potential targets including Somalia’s Al-Shabaab and Yemen’s Houthi forces. While some officials have suggested using drones against Mexican drug cartels, President Claudia Sheinbaum has firmly rejected any actions that would violate Mexico’s sovereignty.
The directive marks a departure from military engagement policies established under the Obama and Biden administrations.
🚨 Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth arrives to the Pentagon for his first day: "Every moment that I'm here, I'm thinking about the guys and gals in Guam, in Germany, in Fort Benning, and Fort Bragg, on missile defense sites, and aircraft carriers. Our job is lethality and readiness… pic.twitter.com/DxTI8yNQJD
— Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) January 27, 2025
Military strikes are categorized as either deliberate or defensive. According to U.S. Africa Command: “Deliberate strikes go through a multistep review and have multiple levels of oversight throughout the target development. Defensive strikes are executed in limited circumstances where U.S. or specifically designated partner forces are in imminent danger from hostile forces. U.S. forces have the inherent right to self-defense when attacked by hostile actors.”
Hegseth’s early tenure has coincided with significant Pentagon personnel changes, including Trump’s dismissal of the top military officer and other officials.
Most recently, Hegseth announced the termination of two Judge Advocates General officers. When questioned about these dismissals, he stated: “It’s not about roadblocks to an agenda. It’s roadblocks to orders that are given by a commander in chief.”
