Mark Kelly Alleges DoD Failed to Mention Second Strike on Boat During 'Evasive' Congressional Briefing

Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) stated on Tuesday that the Department of Defenses general counsel did not disclose the existence of a second strike on a suspected drug-smuggling vessel during a September 2 mission, and withheld key details when questioned by Congress in a previous briefing. Legal experts have since warned that conducting a follow-up strike in this operation may have violated international law.

The controversy follows a report by The Washington Post, which claimed that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly instructed a kill everyone approach after an initial strike left two survivors on the wreckage. Admiral Frank Mitch Bradley is said to have executed the order.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Hegseth later briefed senior congressional members privately in November about the campaign, which involved over a dozen attacks on boats allegedly linked to Venezuelan drug cartels.

Speaking on MS NOWs Morning Joe, Kelly described the Defense Departments general counsel as evasive despite repeated questions from lawmakers:

We need to get more details from the Defense Departments general counsel. He briefed us weeks ago about this strike but did not provide full information. He did not mention a second weapon being used. We asked many questions, but the responses felt evasive. Their legal justification for this operation contains multiple gaps. I want to review the video, the transcript of the briefing, and the written order, none of which have been shared yet. The legal rationale for the entire campaign should be public. Americans deserve transparency.

Kelly added that the administration had pledged to be highly transparent, and he emphasized the importance of accountability:

The president has promised maximum transparency, and Hegseth claimed the DoD would be open, yet press members were asked to leave. We need a clear account of what occurred and accountability for those involved. I feel for members of the U.S. Navy; I served 25 years and participated in similar operations. Attacking survivors clinging to a ship is unacceptable.

This report was originally published by Mediaite under the headline: Mark Kelly Claims DoD Didnt Mention Second Strike on Boat During Evasive Congressional Brief.

Author: Sophia Brooks