The White House confirmed on December 2, 2025, that Admiral Frank Bradley authorized a controversial second military strike targeting survivors of an initial attack on an alleged drug smuggling vessel in September. The operation, part of a counter-narcotics campaign that has claimed over 80 lives this year, has drawn scrutiny from lawmakers and international observers.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the September 2 "double-tap" strikes that killed 11 people, stating Admiral Bradley acted "within his authority" to eliminate threats to national security. However, Democratic senators have raised concerns about potential violations of the Pentagon's Law of War Manual, which prohibits attacks on shipwrecked personnel.
The controversy comes amid heightened tensions in the Caribbean, where the US maintains significant naval presence. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro recently accused Washington of using anti-drug operations as cover for political interference, while bipartisan US lawmakers demand congressional oversight of military engagement protocols.
As legal experts debate the strikes' compliance with international law, the Pentagon maintains all operations undergo rigorous legal review. This development occurs against the backdrop of ongoing regional security challenges and evolving counter-narcotics strategies in 2025.
