The White House on Monday defended a follow-up US military strike on an alleged drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean Sea last September, saying the Navy commander involved acted lawfully, even as the episode triggered bipartisan calls in Washington for investigations and a parallel inquiry in Caracas into the deaths of Venezuelans.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Vice Admiral Frank Bradley, then commander of Joint Special Operations Command, operated “within his authority and the law” when he ordered a second strike on September 2 after an initial hit left survivors on the disabled boat. She added that defence secretary Pete Hegseth had authorised Bradley “to conduct these kinetic strikes.”
President Donald Trump distanced himself from the follow-up strike, saying on Sunday he “wouldn’t have wanted that - not a second strike,” though he later defended Hegseth, telling reporters, “Pete said he did not order the death of those two men… And I believe him.”
Congress seeks clarification on legality
The Washington Post first reported that Hegseth had verbally authorised the second strike, prompting lawmakers across parties to demand clarity on the legality of hitting survivors no longer capable of fighting.
Senator Tim Kaine, a Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, said, “This rises to the level of a war crime if it’s true.”
Republican Representative Mike Turner said Congress lacked confirmation that survivors were targeted but acknowledged, “Obviously, if that occurred, that would be very serious and I agree that that would be an illegal act.”
Leaders of the House and Senate armed services committees have opened reviews into the September incident. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said oversight was essential but urged against “draw[ing] any conclusions… until you have all the facts.”
Hegseth, responding to the Post report, wrote on X that “fake news is delivering more fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory reporting,” insisting that current operations are lawful and “approved by the best military and civilian lawyers, up and down the chain of command.”
US signals continued operations as Venezuela protests
The Pentagon says the maritime strikes are part of efforts to disrupt drug-trafficking networks in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. More than 80 people have been killed in these operations, including at least 17 in the first three attacks acknowledged by Trump.
Gen Dan Caine, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, told congressional leaders over the weekend that he supports commanders “at every echelon,” and discussed the “intent and legality” of ongoing missions.
On Monday, Trump met his national security team to consider “next steps,” including potential strikes on Venezuelan territory. He confirmed having spoken with President Nicolás Maduro recently but declined to provide details.
(With inputs from agencies)
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