US Commander's Second Strike on Venezuelan Vessel Confirmed; Congressional Review Underway
The White House confirmed on Monday that a top US Navy commander ordered a second round of military strikes targeting a vessel identified as an alleged Venezuelan drug boat. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Admiral Frank Bradley acted "well within his authority and the law" when issuing the additional strike.
Leavitt clarified that Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth had authorized the strikes but denied reports suggesting a specific order to "kill everybody." Media outlets reported that the second strike occurred after two individuals reportedly survived an initial blast and were observed on the burning vessel.
US Operations and Policy
Press Secretary Leavitt reiterated that groups designated by the president as "narco-terrorist" are subject to lethal targeting in accordance with the laws of war. She did not confirm details regarding survivors from the first strike or the specific intent of the second attack.
Defence Secretary Hegseth has publicly dismissed accusations in reports concerning a directive to kill all individuals on board during the September 2 strike, labeling them as "fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory." Hegseth affirmed his full support for Admiral Bradley, expressing confidence in his combat decisions.
The United States has increased its military presence in the Caribbean and conducted a series of lethal strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats in international waters off Venezuela and Colombia. These operations, part of an anti-narcotics effort, have reportedly resulted in over 80 fatalities since early September. The Trump administration states these actions are taken in self-defense to disrupt illicit drug shipments to the US.
Congressional Oversight and International Tensions
Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have expressed concerns regarding the reports and have committed to congressional reviews of the strikes. The Senate Armed Services Committee announced plans for "vigorous oversight to determine the facts," with Chairman Senator Roger Wicker stating intentions to interview the admiral in charge of the operation and review audio and video evidence.
The House of Representatives Armed Services Committee also announced a bipartisan effort to fully investigate the operation. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff met with both committees over the weekend to discuss regional operations and the "intent and legality of missions to disrupt illicit trafficking networks."
These strikes have escalated tensions with Venezuela. President Trump has previously indicated consideration for deploying US ground forces into the country.