The White House stood firmly behind a controversial military operation in the Caribbean Sea on Monday, as Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the decision to conduct a follow-up strike on a drug trafficking vessel that had already been attacked by U.S. forces.
The September 2nd incident has sparked intense debate on Capitol Hill after The Washington Post revealed last week that American forces launched a second attack on the vessel despite witnessing at least two survivors clinging to the wreckage of the destroyed boat.
According to White House officials, U.S. Navy Admiral Frank “Mitch” Bradley personally authorized the secondary strike, with administration sources maintaining that both attacks were conducted within the bounds of international law and established rules of engagement.
The operation has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers who question the necessity and legality of targeting survivors in the water. The controversy has prompted calls for greater oversight of military operations in the region, where U.S. forces have intensified efforts to combat drug trafficking networks.
Admiral Bradley is scheduled to provide a classified briefing to Congressional oversight committees on Thursday, where lawmakers are expected to press for detailed explanations about the decision-making process that led to the follow-up strike. The closed-door session will include members from both the House and Senate Armed Services Committees.
The incident represents one of the most scrutinized military actions in recent months, raising questions about the protocols governing engagement with suspected drug traffickers in international waters. Critics argue that attacking survivors could violate international humanitarian law, while supporters maintain that the operation was necessary to prevent the escape of dangerous criminals.
The timing of the controversy is particularly sensitive as Congress prepares to review military budgets and operational authorities for the coming fiscal year. Several Democratic lawmakers have already signaled their intention to seek additional restrictions on military operations in the Caribbean region.
White House officials have indicated they will continue to support Admiral Bradley’s decision while emphasizing their commitment to lawful military operations. The administration argues that such aggressive tactics are essential to disrupting the flow of illegal drugs into American communities.
The classified briefing on Thursday is expected to provide lawmakers with additional details about the intelligence that informed the decision to conduct the second strike, though the specifics of that information are unlikely to be made public due to national security considerations.
