Admiral informed legislators that all individuals on suspected drug boat were on a military target list

WASHINGTON On September 2, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth directed the U.S. military to eliminate all 11 individuals on a suspected drug-trafficking vessel in the Caribbean, citing an internal list of narco-terrorists that U.S. intelligence and military officials deemed legitimate lethal targets, according to briefings shared with Congress this week.

The list identifies individuals eligible for targeted action, including lethal force if circumstances allow. Adm. Frank Mitch Bradley, who led the September 2 operation, told lawmakers that the identities of those on the boat were confirmed by U.S. intelligence and verified as valid targets before airstrikes were conducted as part of the Trump administrations campaign against suspected drug-smuggling vessels.

This informationthat the 11 individuals were on an internal military target listhad not been previously disclosed, adding context to the controversial second strike, which occurred after two people survived the initial attack. Lawmakers have questioned whether this follow-up strike violated international law.

An administration official stated that Bradley followed legal guidance throughout the operation, with advice from uniformed JAG officers at each stage. The boat was targeted because it carried cocaine and was linked to a cartel designated as a terrorist organization. The official added that these narcoterrorist shipments posed direct threats to Americans and U.S. national security interests.

The Pentagon did not provide comment, and U.S. Special Operations Command declined to respond. Reports indicate that 22 strikes on suspected drug boats have resulted in 86 deaths11 in the Caribbean and 11 in the eastern Pacificwithout public evidence supporting the allegations regarding the vessels or those onboard.

During a Thursday briefing on Capitol Hill lasting over eight hours, Bradley and Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, provided Congress with a detailed account of the operation. Bradley said Hegseth ordered the elimination of all individuals on the approved target list, the destruction of the cocaine, and the sinking of the vessel.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Hegseth authorized the strikes, emphasizing that Bradley acted within his legal authority to neutralize the vessel and the associated threat.

Bradley explained that after the first strike killed nine people and capsized the boat, two survivors remained, prompting subsequent strikes to complete the mission. He noted that Hegseth monitored the operation but did not witness survivors personally. The admiral defended the second strike, describing it as part of the "fog of war."

Lawmakers asked whether Hegseth issued a "no quarter" order, which is illegal under military law. Bradley stated that no such order was given and that targeting individuals on an approved list is legal under U.S. and international law.

The boat was hit with a precision-guided munition, causing midair detonation that killed most onboard, capsized the vessel, and damaged its motor. A portion of the boat caught fire, but a significant section remained afloat, with cocaine bundles still secured below deck.

Two survivors managed to climb onto the non-burning side of the boat. Bradley monitored them and confirmed they showed no visible injuries. Overhead surveillance observed their movements, though it was unclear if they were signaling the aircraft.

U.S. intelligence identified a larger vessel in the vicinity intended to receive the drugs. Bradley did not have authority to strike the larger vessel since its occupants were not on the approved target list. He decided to continue targeting the smaller boat because the drugs remained onboard and the individuals had not surrendered.

While the cocaine was deemed a threat to the U.S., intelligence did not confirm it was headed for the country. The vessel was traveling south toward Suriname, and Bradley indicated its ultimate destination could have been Europe or Africa.

Author: Gavin Porter