Lawmakers briefed on alarming double-tap strike

Following a private briefing with the military official responsible for Septembers attack on an alleged drug-smuggling ship, top House lawmakers expressed starkly different reactions along party lines. The operation included a second strike that killed surviving crew members, raising serious ethical and legal concerns.

Connecticut Democrat Jim Himes, ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, described footage shown during the briefing as one of the most troubling things he has witnessed as a lawmaker. He emphasized that the video depicted U.S. forces attacking sailors who were already shipwrecked, even if they had been involved in drug trafficking. Yes, they were carrying drugs. They were not in a position to continue their mission, Himes noted.

In contrast, Republican Rep. Rick Crawford of Arkansas, chairman of the panel, defended the second strike as justified. We shouldnt be surprised when our personnel carry out their mission, Crawford said, indicating support for the overall military operation.

Admiral Frank Mitch Bradley appeared on Capitol Hill to meet with lawmakers privately, defending the follow-up strike. The September 2 attack has become the focus of congressional scrutiny over potential war crimes, as international law prohibits killing individuals in distress at sea. Most Republicans have backed the broader campaign, which has resulted in over 80 deaths and faced legal criticism.

The controversy stems from the fact that after the initial strike failed to sink the vessel, a second strike killed surviving crew members. Himes pointed out that these individuals were in clear distress and lacked the ability to continue their mission, yet were killed.

The Defense Department has argued the survivors were still considered part of the operation and might have resumed illegal activity if rescued. Bradley was expected to present similar reasoning during his meetings with lawmakers.

Legal experts, including former State Department lawyer Brian Finucane, have dismissed this justification. He argued that calling for help does not remove a shipwrecked persons legal protections. If calling for assistance meant losing 'shipwrecked' status, the protections would effectively vanish, Finucane said.

Details regarding the chain of command for the twin strikes remain unclear. Initial reports claimed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered that all individuals on board be killed, though Himes said the admiral clarified Hegseth did not explicitly issue such an order. Crawford stated he understood Bradley had directed the second strike and expressed confidence in the explanation provided.

The exact wording of orders for this and other military operations in the Caribbean remains uncertain, leaving ongoing questions about accountability and legality.

Author: Aiden Foster