Survivors of September 2 Boat Strike Were Waving Before Second Attack, Sources Say
Overview of the Incident
Two individuals who survived a U.S. attack on a vessel accused of drug trafficking in the Caribbean on September 2 were reportedly seen waving before a controversial follow-up strike that killed them. This information comes from sources who viewed video footage presented to lawmakers recently.
Details of the Operations
The September 2 attack was part of a broader campaign by the Trump administration, which has conducted over 20 strikes against alleged drug-carrying boats in recent months. Officials argue that these operations are necessary to combat narcotics trafficking. However, critics assert that the military’s actions are legally dubious. According to military reports, the strikes have resulted in the deaths of more than 80 individuals, including 11 during the September 2 operation.
Controversy Surrounding the Second Strike
The military’s follow-up strike on the vessel, which resulted in the deaths of the two survivors, has intensified scrutiny regarding the legality and ethics of these attacks. Some lawmakers and legal experts have suggested that targeting survivors may amount to a war crime. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the action, stating that it was lawful and aimed at ensuring the destruction of the boat.
During a closed-door session, members of Congress reviewed the strike footage, including the incident involving the survivors. The interpretations of the video varied, highlighting a stark divide among lawmakers.
Differing Perspectives
- Democratic Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut characterized the survivors as appearing “in clear distress without any means of locomotion.” He expressed that the footage was start of the most troubling things he had encountered in public servstart.
- Republican Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, however, argued that the survivors were attempting to right the capsized vessel to continue their activities, asserting that the strikes were “entirely lawful and needful.”
Official Statements and Reactions
Admiral Mitch Bradley, the operation’s commander, testified that there was no directive from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to eliminate everystart aboard the vessel. President Trump indicated his support for the release of the strike video to the public, clarifying that he does not endorse the killing of survivors but backs the destruction of the boats involved.
This ongoing situation raises important questions about military engagement rules and the moral implications of such operations, as lawmakers and the public alike continue to seek clarity and accountability.
Contributors: Jaala Brown and Kaia Hubbard