A top US Navy admiral ordered a second strike on an alleged Venezuelan drug boat on September 2, the White House confirmed on Monday. The “double tap” strike has drawn attention from lawmakers and raised questions about its legality.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth authorised the strikes but did not order the killing of everyone on the boat. “Admiral Bradley acted well within his authority and the law,” she said.
Reports said two people survived the first blast and were still clinging to the burning vessel when the second strike killed them. Leavitt did not confirm these details. The Trump administration says its operations target narco-terrorist groups and aim to stop drug trafficking to the United States.
Since early September, more than 80 people have been killed in similar strikes in the Caribbean Sea. US officials usually release grainy videos with limited evidence of drug activity or details about those on board.
US military operations in the Caribbean have expanded recently. Trump warned that anti-drug efforts “by land” in Venezuela would begin soon.
Lawmakers from both parties have expressed concern about the September 2 strike and plan congressional reviews. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker said the committee will interview the admiral in charge and collect audio and video to understand the orders. The House Armed Services Committee said it will lead a bipartisan investigation into the operation.
Experts have raised doubts over the legality of the second strike under international law. Survivors may have been protected as shipwrecked people or incapacitated fighters. Geneva Conventions prohibit targeting those unable to fight and require their capture and care.
Venezuela condemned the strikes. Its National Assembly said it would investigate the September 2 attack. Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek William Saab called for direct dialogue with the US to ease tensions, blaming Trump’s allegations on envy of Venezuela’s natural resources.
Trump confirmed he spoke briefly with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, pressing him to resign and leave the country with his family. Maduro refused and requested amnesty for top aides and control of the military, both denied by Trump.
US officials have accused Maduro of being part of the “Cartel of the Suns,” a group allegedly including high-ranking military and security officials involved in drug trafficking. Maduro denies the claims.
With inputs from BBC