US admiral justifies second strike on survivors of suspected drug boat

On Thursday, a United States Navy admiral defended a follow-up strike that resulted in the deaths of two individuals who survived an initial attack on a suspected drug boat, intensifying the controversy surrounding maritime operations under the Trump administration.

During a congressional hearing, the admiral's explanation drew mixed reactions: a leading Republican senator described the September 2 operation as fully lawful and effective, while a Democratic lawmaker called the unedited footage of the strike among the most disturbing I have ever seen.

The White House is counting on public backing for its anti-drug campaign, even as lawmakers and legal authorities increasingly scrutinize whether the second strike could constitute a war crime. This incident has also heightened pressure on the Pentagon and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has faced growing criticism in recent months.

Author: Olivia Parker