White House confirms admiral authorized second fatal boat collision

The White House confirmed on Monday that a second military strike in September resulted in civilian casualties after the first attempt failed, attributing much of the responsibility to the naval commander who oversaw the operation. Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated that Adm. Frank Bradley, head of U.S. Special Operations Command, acted within his authority and the law during the second strike targeting alleged drug traffickers in the Caribbean, following the initial attack that had forced them off the vessel.

Leavitts remarks appeared to defend Defense Secretary Pete Hegeseth, who faced criticism over the weekend after The Washington Post reported that he had authorized an elite unit to eliminate all personnel on the suspected drug boat. The episode has intensified scrutiny from lawmakers and the public regarding the U.S. campaign to eliminate drug traffickers in the Caribbean. According to The Post, Hegeseth verbally instructed forces to kill everyone after surveillance footage showed two men clinging to debris. Bradley, in his capacity as Special Operations Command chief, then ordered the follow-up strike. The White House, however, sought to distance Hegeseth from direct operational decisions.

Leavitt explained, Hegeseth authorized Admiral Bradley to carry out these kinetic strikes. The president has made it clear that if narco-terrorists continue trafficking illegal drugs toward the United States, he has the authority to eliminate them. That is what this administration is enforcing.

The incident, which resulted in 11 deaths, marked an early action in the Trump administrations campaign against what it labels narco-terrorists smuggling drugs from Venezuela to the U.S. Multiple unidentified individuals have died in similar maritime strikes, which the administration maintains are lawful under international regulations. Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have promised to investigate, with some cautioning that the actions could constitute war crimes. The Pentagon has not yet provided an official comment.

Hegeseth has granted commanders broad discretion to conduct strikes in various conflict zones, a practice previously applied extensively in the Middle East against Iran-backed militant groups and now seemingly extended to the Caribbean. Additionally, Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, head of European Command, has used similar authority to approve Ukrainian attacks on Russian forces employing advanced American weaponry.

President Donald Trump appeared initially unaware of the incident and seemed to distance himself from the operation. Asked by reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday whether a second strike on survivors would be illegal, Trump said he was uncertain about the details. I wouldnt have wanted that, not a second strike, he said. Regarding the first strike, he commented, The initial strike on the boat was fine, and if there were two people around but [Hegeseth] said that didnt happen. I have great confidence in him.

Author: Sophia Brooks