Evolution of Trump Administration's Explanation of Boat Collision

The U.S. militarys early September operation targeting a Venezuelan vessel suspected of drug trafficking the initial action in a months-long campaign has come under renewed examination. The White House recently confirmed that the boat was struck twice, following reporting by The Washington Post which indicated that the second strike killed two survivors. This revelation has raised questions in Congress about whether the follow-up attack might constitute a war crime. Pentagon guidance on the law of war specifies that combatants who are "wounded, sick, or shipwrecked" should not be attacked.

The Trump administration has defended the series of boat strikes as necessary to curb the flow of narcotics from South America, though U.S. officials have not publicly shared definitive proof that the vessels were transporting drugs or posed a threat to the United States. Lawmakers from both parties have expressed concern over the strikes' legality.

Timeline of Key Events

September 2: Initial Strike Announced

President Trump told reporters that the U.S. military had "literally shot out a boat" from Venezuela alleged to be carrying drugs. Later posts on social media by Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the strike, referring to it as a single event. Trump stated that 11 alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, labeled a terrorist group by his administration, were killed. A video posted by Trump showed one strike on the vessel. While Trump claimed the boat was headed to the U.S., Rubio later said the drugs were likely destined for another Caribbean nation, though he also noted it was ultimately heading toward the U.S.

September 3: Defense Secretary Confirms Observation

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth rejected claims from Venezuelan officials suggesting the video of the strike might be fake, stating on "Fox and Friends" that he observed the operation live and knew the identities and actions of those on the boat.

September 4: Legal Justification

When asked about legal authority, Hegseth said the Pentagon had "absolute and complete authority" to conduct the strike, describing drug importation to the U.S. as an "assault on the American people." The White House informed Congress that the strike aligned with the presidents responsibility to protect Americans and U.S. interests abroad.

September 11: Boat Attempted to Turn Around

Reports suggested the boat was trying to turn around when struck. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly asserted that the president acted within the laws of armed conflict. Trump announced another strike in the Caribbean, killing three alleged drug traffickers, whom the administration labeled "unlawful combatants" within a "non-international armed conflict" with drug cartels.

October 16: Key Command Changes

Hegseth announced that Adm. Alvin Holsey would retire as commander of U.S. Southern Command. CBS News reported two survivors from a strike in the Caribbean that were later repatriated to Ecuador and Colombia.

November 28: Follow-Up Strike Controversy

The Washington Post reported that two survivors from the September 2 strike were killed in a subsequent attack, allegedly ordered by Hegseth. Hegseth denied the report, defending the strikes as targeting narcoterrorists in accordance with the law. Senate and House Armed Services leaders pledged thorough oversight.

November 30: War Crime Concerns

Senator Tim Kaine stated that a follow-up strike could constitute a war crime under domestic and international law. Representative Mike Turner echoed concerns. President Trump said he would not have wanted a second strike and affirmed his trust in Hegseth, while White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified the strike was authorized legally under Hegseths direction through Admiral Mitch Bradley.

December 1: Congressional Oversight

Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker said he plans to review all audio and video from the strikes, noting that Hegseth confirmed a second attack. Wicker indicated that information on any survivors would be obtained during this review.

Between early September and mid-November, the U.S. reportedly targeted over 20 boats, resulting in more than 80 fatalities.

Author: Sophia Brooks