Military general accuses survivors of boat strike of attempting to continue drug trafficking operation before being struck again

A senior U.S. Navy Admiral is expected to inform Congress that the two survivors of a missile strike on a suspected drug-trafficking boat in the Caribbean were actively attempting to resume their operation when a second attack was carried out. Admiral Frank Mitch Bradley, a highly regarded Navy SEAL officer and head of U.S. Special Operations Command, will appear on Capitol Hill Thursday to provide details on the September 2 incident.

According to sources cited by the Wall Street Journal, Bradley and his legal team determined that the remaining two individuals were legitimate targets for another strike due to their efforts to continue the drug mission. This explanation is expected to counter claims that the follow-up strike might have been unlawful.

The first missile strike by the Trump administration targeted what was identified as a Venezuelan narco vessel in the Caribbean, an operation that has resulted in over 80 deaths across several missions in recent months. The initial strike killed nine people and set the boat ablaze, but two survivors remained, prompting the decision for a second attack.

Questions have arisen regarding the legality and ethics of the second strike. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced criticism from both political sides, with some labeling the action a potential war crime. The Trump administration initially dismissed reports of the second strike as inaccurate, but White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt later confirmed that the attack was authorized by Admiral Bradley.

During congressional hearings, Bradley is likely to be asked how he assessed the survivors as valid targets, whether any were injured, and if rescue options were considered prior to ordering the second missile. He may also face inquiries about the broader strategy targeting alleged drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean.

Defense officials revealed that the first missile did not immediately eliminate all personnel, and the survivors were visible on a live feed about an hour later. Bradley reportedly made the decision to strike again after noting nearby enemy vessels and suspecting communications with other traffickers.

Geoffrey Corn, a former military attorney now with the Center for Military Law and Policy at Texas Tech, told the Wall Street Journal that Bradleys explanation could provide a lawful rationale for the second attack if accurate.

Reports indicate that Bradley monitored the operation live alongside Hegseth, though Hegseth left before the second strike occurred and did not witness the survivors personally. Senators have requested clarification on Hegseths absence during the critical stage of the mission, with Independent Sen. Angus King asking for details about his schedule that day. Republican Sen. Thom Tillis emphasized accountability if the second missile caused the deaths of the remaining individuals.

Hegseth has publicly praised Bradley, calling him an American hero and defending his decision to neutralize the threat posed by the vessel.

Author: Jackson Miller