In a controversial military operation that has sparked bipartisan scrutiny, a U.S. Navy admiral authorized a second strike on a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean Sea, according to the White House. This decision, made during a September mission, has led to calls for congressional investigations into the legality of the strike.
Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, defended the actions taken by U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Frank Bradley, who was directed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to ensure the threat was neutralized. Despite President Donald Trump’s statement expressing that he “wouldn’t have wanted that — not a second strike,” Leavitt asserted, “Admiral Bradley worked well within his authority and the law.”
The strike, which reportedly resulted in casualties from its initial attack, has prompted lawmakers to question its legal implications. Senator Tim Kaine, D-Va., remarked, “This rises to the level of a war crime if it’s true.” Representative Mike Turner, R-Ohio, noted the information is still under investigation, as Armed Services Committee leaders have initiated inquiries.
President Trump has stood by Secretary Hegseth, stating, “Pete said he did not order the death of those two men,” and adding, “And I believe him.” Meanwhile, Hegseth has dismissed reports as “fake news” aimed at discrediting U.S. military efforts, emphasizing that operations adhere to both domestic and international law.
General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has reiterated his support for the military’s commanders, emphasizing the mission’s intent to disrupt illicit trafficking networks. This stance is shared by the administration, which attributes some drug cartel activities to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
As the U.S. considers further military actions, including potential strikes on the Venezuelan mainland, Trump confirmed recent communications with Maduro, though details remain undisclosed. The ongoing military presence in the region includes a significant buildup of U.S. naval forces, highlighted by the deployment of the largest U.S. aircraft carrier.
Venezuela’s National Assembly has launched an investigation into the U.S. military’s operations, marking the first acknowledgment of Venezuelan casualties by a Maduro government official. Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez announced a probe into “the serious events that led to the murder of Venezuelans in the waters of the Caribbean Sea.”
For further developments on this story, visit the original report here and for a timeline of the events, check this link. Congressional investigations are ongoing as further details emerge.
