A US Navy admiral is set to provide a classified briefing to lawmakers overseeing military operations this Thursday. This comes amid an investigation into a recent US attack on a boat in the Caribbean Sea, which was allegedly involved in drug trafficking. Reports indicate that a second strike may have resulted in the deaths of survivors from the initial attack, raising serious legal and ethical questions.
During a press briefing on Monday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the second strike was executed "in self-defense" and was aligned with international laws governing armed conflict. This assertion follows bipartisan scrutiny regarding a report suggesting that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a verbal order to strike the vessel back in September.
Democrats have expressed that the allegations, which were first highlighted by the Washington Post last week, could potentially amount to a war crime. Even some Republicans have voiced concerns about the legality surrounding the attack that occurred on September 2, further complicating the narrative surrounding US military actions in the region.
The House and Senate Armed Services Committees have initiated investigations into the recent US military strikes targeting vessels in the Caribbean and the eastern Pacific Ocean. Leavitt did not dispute the report from the Washington Post that survivors were present after the initial strike, which has led to increased scrutiny from lawmakers across party lines.
Former President Donald Trump commented on the incident, stating that he "wouldn't have wanted that – not a second strike," when asked about the military actions. Leavitt defended the actions taken by Adm. Frank M. Bradley, asserting that he operated within his legal authority to ensure the boat was destroyed, thus eliminating any threat to the United States.
Following the controversy, Hegseth publicly expressed his unwavering support for Adm. Bradley, calling him an "American hero" and a "true professional." Just a month after the strike, Adm. Bradley was promoted from commander of Joint Special Operations Command to commander of US Special Operations Command.
Concerns regarding military strikes against alleged drug-smuggling vessels have been escalating in Congress. However, the details surrounding the follow-on strike have shocked many lawmakers, prompting serious questions about the legality of the attacks and the overarching strategy towards Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Lawmakers from both parties have expressed uncertainty regarding the accuracy of the Washington Post report, with some Republican members remaining skeptical. Nonetheless, they agree that the reported second strike, targeting survivors from the initial attack, raises substantial legal concerns that warrant thorough examination.
President Trump defended Hegseth's actions, asserting that he did not order the deaths of the two individuals involved in the second strike, which has led to further discussions within Congress. Leavitt mentioned that Hegseth had communicated with members of Congress to address concerns arising from the reports.
Gen. Dan Caine, chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, engaged in conversations with both Republican and Democratic leaders of the Armed Services Committees over the weekend. He reaffirmed his trust in the commanders and emphasized the importance of missions aimed at disrupting illicit trafficking networks threatening the security of the western hemisphere.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune defended the military operations, aligning with Trump administration views that they are essential for curbing illegal narcotics entering the US. Thune acknowledged that Congress would investigate the September 2 strike, urging lawmakers to refrain from jumping to conclusions until all facts are established.
In response to the Washington Post report, Hegseth took to social media, denouncing the coverage as "fake news" aimed at discrediting military personnel. He asserted that ongoing operations in the Caribbean adhere to both US and international law, with all actions authorized by military and civilian legal experts.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer criticized Hegseth for his response to the allegations, labeling him a "national embarrassment." Schumer has called for the release of video footage of the strike and demanded that Hegseth testify under oath regarding the events that transpired.
Senator Roger Wicker, chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, assured that their investigation would be thorough and objective, emphasizing the necessity of uncovering the "ground truth" behind the serious allegations surrounding the strikes.