Trump disavows second boat strike, promises imminent land attacks

President Donald Trump defended a recent U.S. strike on a suspected drug-smuggling vessel while clarifying he was unaware of a second missile strike that killed survivors. At the same time, he indicated that the anti-drug campaign might soon extend to land targets in Venezuela.

Trump Denies Knowledge of Second Strike

During a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Trump stated he had not been informed that the military had carried out a second strike on the suspected smuggling boat after the initial attack in the Caribbean on September 2. "Somebody asked me a question about the second strike. I didn't know about the second strike," he said. Trump added, "I didn't know anything about people. I wasn't involved in it. I knew they took out a boat."

The White House confirmed that Navy Vice Adm. Frank "Mitch" Bradley, head of U.S. Special Operations Command, authorized the follow-up strike. According to previous reports, two survivors from the first attack were clinging to the wreckage when the second missile hit. U.S. officials say the strikes are part of a broader campaign that has targeted at least 21 suspected drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, resulting in at least 83 deaths described as "narco-terrorists."

Defense Secretary Supports Admirals Decision

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed Trumps statement, saying he did not witness the second strike in real time. "I watched that first strike live so I moved on to my next meeting," Hegseth told reporters. He added that he learned "a couple of hours later" about Bradley's decision to strike again.

Despite the controversy, Hegseth strongly defended the admiral. "He sunk the boat and eliminated the threat. And it was the right call," Hegseth said. "We have his back, and the American people are safer because narco-terrorists know you can't bring drugs through the water We will eliminate that threat, and we're proud to do it."

The operation is under review in Congress. Lawmakers from both parties are questioning whether targeting survivors could violate international law. Bradley is expected to brief key members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees in a classified session later this week. Representative John Garamendi, D-Calif., urged for a public discussion, saying that if Hegseth believes his actions were lawful, he should explain them openly rather than in closed-door meetings.

Trump Signals Expansion to Land Strikes

Despite scrutiny, Trump highlighted the success of the naval campaign and suggested a potential escalation. He claimed the boat strikes have eliminated "over ninety percent" of maritime drug trafficking and "saved hundreds of thousands of lives." Trump emphasized that future operations could include land targets, starting with Venezuela.

"I want those boats taken out, and if we have to, we'll attack on land also, just like we attack on sea," Trump said. "And we are going to start doing those strikes on land, too We're gonna start that very soon, too." He also noted that drug traffickers targeting the United States, not just in Venezuela, could be at risk of strikes, raising questions about the campaigns scope and the potential legal and political consequences.

Author: Zoe Harrison