The White House confirmed Monday that Admiral Frank Bradley authorized a controversial second military strike targeting survivors of an initial attack on an alleged drug-smuggling boat in September 2025, reigniting debates about international law and ethics. 🌊💣
White House Defends Action
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated Admiral Bradley acted 'within his authority' to 'eliminate threats' during the September 2 operation, which killed 11 people. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth publicly backed Bradley, calling him 'an American hero' on social media platform X.
Political Firestorm Erupts
Democrats slammed the administration, with Senator Chris Murphy accusing officials of 'passing the buck.' Meanwhile, Republican Congressman Mike Turner expressed concerns about operational transparency, noting lawmakers await full briefings. 🗣️🔥
Legal Gray Zones
Critics argue the strike violates the Pentagon's Law of War Manual prohibiting attacks on shipwrecked persons. Six lawmakers recently released a video reminding military personnel they can refuse 'illegal orders' – a move that triggered a Pentagon probe. ⚖️📜
Regional Tensions Rise
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro condemned the growing US military presence in the Caribbean, calling it a pretext for 'regime change.' The controversy comes amid heightened scrutiny of counter-narcotics operations claiming over 80 lives this year. 🌎✈️
