White House confirms second strike on alleged drug boat on September 2

WASHINGTON The White House confirmed on Monday that the U.S. carried out a second strike on a suspected Venezuelan drug vessel in early September. The operation was directed by Adm. Frank M. Bradley, who at the time led the Joint Special Operations Command. This follow-up strike reportedly killed survivors from an initial U.S. attack on the same vessel, which the Trump administration stated originated from Venezuela. Some lawmakers and legal experts have raised concerns that the second strike could be considered a war crime.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated during Mondays briefing: Regarding the strikes on September 2, Secretary Hegseth authorized Adm. Bradley to carry out these kinetic operations. Adm. Bradley acted fully within his legal authority to neutralize the threat and ensure the vessel was destroyed, eliminating any danger to the United States.

U.S. Special Operations Command, now under Bradleys leadership, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Washington Post reported that Bradley executed the second strike following instructions from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to kill everybody, though NBC News has not confirmed that specific detail.

One U.S. official and a Pentagon source told NBC News that the first strike left at least two survivors, who were later killed in the second attack. On Sunday, former President Donald Trump told reporters that Hegseth did not authorize the second strike, adding he was unsure if it occurred. Trump emphasized he wouldnt have wanted it and reiterated that Hegseth claimed he did not order the deaths of the two men.

When asked on Monday about the legal justification for the second strike, Leavitt said, The September 2 strike was conducted in self-defense to protect Americans and critical U.S. interests. It took place in international waters and complied with the law of armed conflict. She also confirmed that Trump would meet with his national security team later that day in the Oval Office. Attendees include Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller.

Leavitts remarks come amid criticism and ongoing bipartisan investigations by both the House and Senate regarding the second strike. Senate Armed Services Committee leaders, Chairman Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Ranking Member Jack Reed, D-R.I., stated they will conduct vigorous oversight to determine the facts surrounding these events.

Similarly, House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers, R-Ala., and Ranking Member Adam Smith, D-Wash., announced they are taking the reports of follow-on strikes seriously and are actively gathering a complete account of the operation in the SOUTHCOM region. Bradley is expected to meet with senior lawmakers in Washington this week to discuss the strikes.

Wicker confirmed he has spoken with Hegseth regarding the second strike. Defense Secretary Hegseth has defended U.S. operations in the Caribbean, posting on X that the actions were highly effective, lethal, kinetic strikes conducted lawfully under U.S. and international law, with approval from legal authorities throughout the chain of command.

The operations form part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to increase pressure on Venezuela. Trump declared via Truth Social that Venezuelas airspace should be considered closed, as the U.S. continues to explore potential military actions in the region.

Analysis: Controversial Strikes on Venezuelan Drug Vessel Raise Legal and Ethical Questions

The recent confirmation of a second U.S. strike on a Venezuelan drug vessel has ignited a wave of concerns regarding the legality and morality of such actions. While the White House defends the strikes as a necessary measure for protecting U.S. interests, the operation raises critical questions about the boundaries of international law and military ethics.

According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the September 2 operation was conducted in self-defense, aimed at neutralizing a threat and ensuring the safety of Americans. The strikes, which occurred in international waters, are framed by the administration as part of a broader strategy to counter Venezuelan drug trafficking and safeguard U.S. security. However, the fact that the second attack targeted survivors from an earlier strike has drawn significant legal scrutiny.

Legal experts, as well as bipartisan lawmakers, are questioning whether the second strike could constitute a war crime. The reported instruction to “kill everybody” allegedly issued by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has further fueled the controversy. Though this detail has yet to be fully confirmed, it adds to the perception of an operation that may have gone beyond the bounds of self-defense.

While the Trump administration insists the actions were legal and authorized at every level, bipartisan investigations are already underway to scrutinize the operation. Leaders from both the House and Senate Armed Services Committees are determined to uncover the full details of the strikes and assess their compliance with U.S. and international law. This scrutiny is likely to increase pressure on the administration as it faces ongoing investigations and criticism from both sides of the political spectrum.

In the broader context, the operation fits into a larger strategy aimed at increasing U.S. pressure on Venezuela, a country that has long been at odds with Washington. However, the use of military force in this context—especially the targeting of survivors—raises difficult questions about proportionality, necessity, and the ethical limits of U.S. military actions abroad.

As investigations unfold, the legal and ethical dimensions of the second strike will likely remain a contentious issue. The international community, as well as U.S. lawmakers, will be watching closely to determine the extent to which this operation may have violated principles of international humanitarian law.

Sources:

• White House confirms second Sept. 2 strike on alleged drug boat