WASHINGTON – The White House affirmed on Monday that a Navy admiral acted properly in ordering a follow-up strike on a boat suspected of carrying illegal drugs in the Caribbean Sea. This incident, which occurred in September, has stirred debate among lawmakers.
Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, defended the September 2nd strike, after some lawmakers voiced their support for a review of U.S. military actions against boats suspected of smuggling drugs in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean. These lawmakers cited a report that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth gave a verbal order for a second strike that resulted in the death of those who survived the first attack.
While addressing reporters, Leavitt did not question a report that there were survivors after the initial strike. She stated, “Secretary Hegseth authorized Admiral Bradley to conduct these kinetic strikes,” referring to U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Frank Bradley, who was the commander of Joint Special Operations Command at the time. She further added, “Admiral Bradley worked well within his authority and the law, directing the engagement to ensure the boat was destroyed and the threat to the United States of America was eliminated.”
Lawmakers have said that if attacking survivors, it would raise questions. Rep. Mike Turner stated that Congress does not have information that this happened and noted that leaders of the Armed Services Committee have opened investigations.
President Trump supported Hegseth, saying, “Pete said he did not order the death of those two men, and I believe him.”
Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke with lawmakers and confirmed his faith in the commanders. He said the talk was about stopping illegal drug trade that threatens the safety of the Western Hemisphere.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune defended the operations, saying they are needed to stop illegal drugs from entering the United States. He said, “I don’t think you want to draw any conclusions or deductions until you have all the facts”.
Hegseth wrote that the operations in the Caribbean are lawful under U.S. and international law.
The U.S. government claims the strikes target drug cartels, some allegedly controlled by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
