Military leaders update legislators on attacks on suspected drug vessels

Washington Senior Pentagon officials have delivered a confidential briefing to key members of Congress regarding the administration's operations targeting suspected drug trafficking vessels off the coast of South America. Lawmakers are particularly seeking clarification on a controversial strike in September that has raised intense scrutiny on Capitol Hill.

Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Adm. Frank "Mitch" Bradley, head of Special Operations Command, met Thursday at the Capitol to update the leadership of the House and Senate Armed Services and Intelligence Committees in a closed-door session.

The Pentagon has faced criticism following reports that a September 2 strike on a suspected Venezuelan drug boat included a subsequent attack that killed two survivors of the initial strike. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the decision to conduct the second strike was made by Bradley, who commanded the mission. According to sources, the two individuals had attempted to reboard the vessel before it was targeted again.

News of the second strike has prompted bipartisan concern in Congress, with some lawmakers questioning its legality and some Democrats suggesting it could amount to a war crime if survivors were intentionally targeted. The administration maintains that the follow-up strike was both legal and justified.

During the briefing, Bradley is expected to present video footage from the September 2 operation and outline the rationale behind his decisions, according to sources familiar with the session. This strike marked the beginning of the administrations campaign, which has since destroyed over 20 vessels and resulted in more than 80 fatalities.

These operations have drawn attention even before media reports, as they are being carried out without explicit Congressional authorization. The administration asserts that it possesses legal authority, citing the designation of drug cartels as terrorist organizations and the absence of risk to U.S. personnel.

Author: Riley Thompson