Vessel Destroyed in Double-Tap Strike Was Not En Route to U.S.

The September strike on a boat that killed all 11 occupants was originally justified by the administration as targeting a shipment of lethal drugs allegedly destined for the United States. However, Bradley reportedly informed lawmakers that the vessel was actually heading toward Suriname to transfer its cargo to a larger ship, rather than directly to the U.S.

This disclosure suggests the United States was not the final destination for the shipment, and U.S. intelligence has previously indicated that most drug trafficking routes through Suriname primarily lead to Europe.

Admiral Bradley, head of U.S. Special Operations Command, made this revelation during a briefing for key lawmakers, including leaders of the Armed Services and Intelligence committees. Bradley maintained that the drugs could have eventually reached the United States.

The September 2 strike has faced intense scrutiny, particularly because Bradley ordered a second attack after two individuals survived the initial strike. Lawmakers left the briefing divided, with Democrats voicing serious concerns and Republicans asserting the actions were lawful.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has also faced criticism after reports alleged he instructed the strike to leave no survivors, raising questions of potential war crimes. Hegseths accounts of the strike have changed over time, initially claiming to observe it live and later acknowledging he had left before the second strike occurred.

The administrations primary rationale for these operations has been that the boats carried dangerous drugs threatening Americans. President Trump echoed this, stating the traffickers were under Venezuelan control and en route to the U.S. Intelligence reports, however, indicate most shipments via Suriname are headed toward Europe.

The Caribbean and Eastern Pacific strikes have resulted in over 87 fatalities. Bradleys briefing did little to ease Democratic concerns. Senator Jack Reed described the events as deeply troubling, and Representative Jim Himes highlighted the lethal outcomes for individuals unable to escape the destroyed vessel.

Reports indicate Bradley ordered a follow-up strike to eliminate survivors, allegedly following Hegseths directive. Hegseth denies ordering this, describing reports as false and defending the strikes as lawful actions. Legal experts have noted such orders could violate international and domestic laws, potentially constituting murder or a war crime.

These developments have prompted congressional investigations, with bipartisan calls for accountability. Footage from the initial strike showed survivors atop the overturned boat, with interpretations differing between signaling for help or surrender versus summoning other traffickers.

Author: Olivia Parker