White House confirms second strike on suspected drug boat

Washington On Monday, the White House acknowledged that a U.S. operation against a suspected drug-smuggling boat in September involved more than one strike, seemingly supporting a Washington Post report suggesting that the U.S. targeted the vessel a second time to eliminate survivors from the initial attack.

The Post reported Friday that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth verbally instructed that no survivors remain before the U.S. assault on the Caribbean boat on September 2. According to the report, the first strike left two individuals alive in the water. The paper claimed that the operation's commander, Adm. Frank Bradley, ordered a second strike to comply with Hegseths directive, resulting in the deaths of the two men. CBS News has not independently confirmed this reporting.

The report has prompted calls from members of both parties in Congress for an investigation, with some suggesting that targeting survivors could constitute a war crime. Hegseth dismissed the report as "fabricated, inflammatory and derogatory," asserting that U.S. operations in the Caribbean were "lawful under both U.S. and international law."

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the report during Monday's briefing. When asked if the administration denies the second strike occurred or if it denies Hegseth gave the order, Leavitt responded, "The latter is true," before reading a prepared statement:

"President Trump and Secretary Hegseth have made it clear that designated narcoterrorist groups are subject to lethal targeting under the laws of war. Regarding the September 2 strikes, Secretary Hegseth authorized Admiral Bradley to execute these kinetic actions. Admiral Bradley acted within his authority and the law, ensuring the boat was destroyed and the threat to the United States eliminated."

Leavitt also clarified a report suggesting Hegseth ordered "everyone be killed." She rejected the claim, stating that while the president authorizes lethal action against narcoterrorists trafficking illegal drugs to the U.S., the secretary did not issue such a directive.

An image posted by Hegseth on X shows the boat moments before the strike. President Trump, commenting on Sunday, said he "wouldn't have wanted" the second strike but defended Hegseth, noting the secretary did not order the subsequent attack. Trump described the first strike as "very lethal" and expressed confidence in Hegseth.

Former military lawyers have argued that the reported second strike could violate international or domestic law. Congressional leaders of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees have pledged investigations. Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine described the strike as potentially a war crime if confirmed, while GOP Rep. Mike Turner called it an illegal act under the same conditions. Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Sen. Roger Wicker said he has spoken with Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine and plans to consult with the admiral in charge, noting that Hegseth acknowledged a second attack occurred but details on potential survivors remain pending.

Since September 2, the U.S. has conducted nearly two dozen boat strikes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. Trump expressed limited concern about the operations, citing the visible presence of drugs on the boats and the estimated risk to Americans. He noted the volume of drugs entering the U.S. by sea has decreased significantly in recent months.

Author: Sophia Brooks