A top US Navy commander ordered a second round of military strikes on an alleged Venezuelan drug boat, the White House has confirmed.
Admiral (Frank) Bradley worked well within his authority and the law in ordering the additional strike, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Monday.
Leavitt confirmed Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized the strikes but did not give an order to kill everybody, as reported by the Washington Post. The second strike was reportedly conducted after two people survived the initial blast and were clinging to the burning vessel.
Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have expressed concern over the report and vowed congressional reviews of the strikes.
President (Donald) Trump and Secretary Hegseth have made it clear that presidentially designated narco-terrorist groups are subject to lethal targeting in accordance with the laws of war, Leavitt noted.
The press secretary did not confirm the first strike left two survivors, nor that the second attack was intended to kill them.
Media reports alleging Hegseth's directive to kill all those on board the vessel during the 2 September strike have raised concerns regarding the legality of US military strikes against alleged drug boats in the Caribbean.
Hegseth has denied these allegations, calling them fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory. He later tweeted his full support for Admiral Bradley, emphasizing their commitment to combatting drug trafficking.
Recent weeks have seen the US expand its military presence in the Caribbean, carrying out a series of lethal strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats operating in international waters off the coasts of Venezuela and Colombia.
Over 80 lives have reportedly been lost since the strikes began in September. The Trump administration claims these actions are acts of self-defense against vessels transporting illicit drugs into the US.
These military operations have heightened tensions with Venezuela, with Trump indicating consideration for deploying US ground forces in the region.
As the situation unfolds, expert opinions have centered on the legality of targeting survivors under international law, with suggestions that protections exist for shipwrecked individuals.
Continued scrutiny from US lawmakers has emerged, with ongoing discussions focusing on the intent and legality of these military operations against drug traffickers.
