Pentagon aware of survivors from boat attack but still carried out follow-up strike, say AP sources

WASHINGTON According to two sources familiar with the events, the Pentagon was aware that there were survivors following a September strike on a suspected drug vessel in the Caribbean Sea, yet a subsequent U.S. military operation was still conducted.

The sources, who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly, explained that the second strike was justified as necessary to ensure the sinking of the vessel.

The Trump administration maintains that all 11 individuals on board were killed. Uncertainty remains regarding who authorized the strikes and whether Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth played a role. These details are expected to be addressed during a classified congressional briefing on Thursday with Adm. Frank Mitch Bradley, whom the Trump administration identifies as the commander responsible for the follow-up strike.

Hegseth has defended the additional strike as a decision made in the fog of war, noting that he did not observe any survivors and did not remain on site for the completion of the mission.

The military actions against alleged drug traffickers in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific have led to increased scrutiny of Hegseth. Legal analysts and some members of Congress argue that conducting a strike that killed survivors could constitute a violation of the laws of armed conflict.

Author: Gavin Porter