Survivors of U.S. Military Strike Attempt to Salvage Drugs Before Second Attack
Overview of the Incident
Two survivors of a U.S. military strike on a drug-carrying vessel in early September were reportedly trying to return to the vessel before it was hit a second time. According to a source familiar with the situation, the individuals were attempting to salvage some of the drugs onboard and were in communication with others in the vicinity. Additional boats were reportedly nearby that could have provided assistance.
Details Surrounding the Attack
The September 2 operation marked the first of over 20 military strikes on boats suspected of drug trafficking under the Trump administration. It has attracted significant bipartisan scrutiny following reports from The Washington Post, which detailed that the military executed at least two strikes on the same boat in the Caribbean, resulting in fatalities among the survivors of the initial attack.
Controversies and Legal Implications
The Washington Post also claimed that the second strike was ordered due to remarks made by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, suggesting that everystart onboard should be killed. The White House has acknowledged the existence of a second strike but has denied that Hegseth issued any orders regarding it. Hegseth has maintained that the decision rested with the mission’s commander, Admiral Mitch Bradley, asserting that the follow-up strike was both legal and justified.
Lawmakers from both parties are now calling for an investigation into the incident, as some Democrats and legal analysts have raised concerns that the second strike may violate U.S. and international laws governing warfare. A Pentagon manual stipulates that “wounded, sick, or shipwrecked” combatants should not be targeted.
Congressional Testimony
Admiral Mitch Bradley is scheduled to testify before Congress on Thursday regarding the incident. He is expected to present video footage from the September 2 operation and explain the decisions made during the strikes. Also attending will be General Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, providing further context to the operation.
This situation highlights the complex legal and ethical challenges surrounding military operations targeting drug trafficking and raises pressing questions about the rules of engagement involving combatants who may no longer pose a threat.