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The White House has confirmed that a high-ranking US Navy admiral authorized a second round of strikes against an alleged Venezuelan drug vessel on September 2, an incident now under intense bipartisan examination by US lawmakers.
This “double tap” strike has drawn significant attention, particularly after reports indicated that two individuals who survived the initial blast were still clinging to the burning boat when they were subsequently killed. These details have prompted fresh inquiries into the legality of the operation. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on Monday that while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized the broader strikes, he did not issue an order to “kill everybody,” as some reports suggested. Leavitt asserted that Admiral Frank Bradley “worked well within his authority and the law” when he commanded the additional strike.
More than 80 people have perished in a series of similar strikes in the Caribbean Sea since early September. US officials typically release grainy video footage accompanying these announcements, yet concrete evidence of alleged drug trafficking or detailed information about those aboard the vessels remains scarce. The administration maintains its actions are in self-defense, aimed at destroying boats believed to be transporting illicit drugs to the United States. President Donald Trump and Secretary Hegseth have clarified that groups designated as narco-terrorists are subject to lethal targeting in accordance with the laws of war.
Lawmakers from both major parties have voiced concerns regarding the September 2 incident and have pledged comprehensive congressional reviews. Millenium TV has learned that the Senate Armed Services Committee plans “vigorous oversight” and intends to interview Admiral Bradley, seeking audio and video evidence of the operational orders. The House Armed Services Committee also announced it would lead a “bipartisan action to gather a full accounting.”
Defense Secretary Hegseth has vehemently rejected accusations, calling them “fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory.” He publicly expressed his full support for Admiral Bradley, stating he stands by the combat decisions made. During recent discussions, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff met with both House and Senate armed services committees to discuss regional operations and the legality of missions targeting illicit trafficking networks.
Several experts have expressed serious doubts about the legality of a second strike on alleged survivors under international law, suggesting such individuals might be protected as shipwrecked sailors or wounded combatants unable to continue fighting. Under the Geneva Conventions, rules of engagement for armed conflicts prohibit targeting wounded participants, instead mandating their apprehension and care. The Trump administration classifies its Caribbean operations as a non-international armed conflict with alleged drug traffickers.
In response, Venezuela’s National Assembly has condemned the boat strikes and vowed to conduct a “rigorous and thorough investigation” into the September 2 events. The Venezuelan government has accused the United States of escalating regional tensions with the aim of destabilizing the government. Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek William Saab remarked that President Trump’s allegations stem from “great envy” for Venezuela’s natural resources and called for direct dialogue between the two nations to ease the strained diplomatic atmosphere.
President Trump recently confirmed a brief phone call with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, during which he pressured Maduro to resign and depart Venezuela with his family. Following Maduro’s refusal, Trump declared Venezuelan airspace “closed in its entirety.” US officials accuse Maduro of being part of a “terrorist” organization, the Cartel of the Suns, which they allege includes high-ranking Venezuelan military and security officials involved in drug trafficking. Maduro has consistently denied these claims.
© Millenium TV
