The White House confirmed and defended a second strike against alleged drug smugglers in the Caribbean in September, stating it was conducted "in self-defense" in international waters and in accordance with the law of armed conflict. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth authorized the strike, while Adm. Frank "Mitch" Bradley, then commander of Joint Special Operations Command, ordered and directed it to ensure the boat was destroyed and the threat eliminated.
The White House statement follows a report that Hegseth verbally ordered the initial Sept. 2 attack to kill everyone on board and that a second strike was conducted to eliminate survivors. While the White House did not confirm the specifics of a second strike for survivors, they defended Bradley's authority to conduct the engagement. They also disputed the claim that Hegseth initially ordered everyone killed.
The Pentagon had previously denied the initial report in its entirety, calling it false and fabricated. However, the reports have prompted lawmakers, including the chairs of the House Armed Services Committee, to seek additional oversight and demand a full accounting of the operation. The top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee is also calling for an investigation. These strikes are part of the Trump administration's broader campaign against drug trafficking in Latin American waters.
