Trump administration admits to second attack on civilian boat in the Caribbean

Controversy has long surrounded the Trump administrations policy of carrying out lethal strikes against civilian vessels in international waters. Last week, The Washington Post intensified the debate with a report citing two sources familiar with the operation, claiming that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth gave verbal orders in early September to eliminate the crew of a ship carrying 11 people.

The initial strike reportedly left two survivors clinging to the burning wreckage. According to the Post, Admiral Frank Bradley, who led the Joint Special Operations Command at the time, ordered a follow-up attack in compliance with Hegseths alleged directive to kill everybody.

Several former military lawyers condemned the actions described in the report, labeling them as potential war crimes. Critics from various circles shared similar assessments.

The Pentagon initially rejected the claims. Secretary Hegseth called the report fake news, and his spokesperson, Sean Parnell, accused the Post of inventing an entirely false narrative, calling it the enemy of the people.

Three days later, the administration altered its position. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt acknowledged in a briefing that the U.S. military did carry out a second strike, attributing the order to Admiral Bradley. Hegseth also issued a social media statement expressing full support for Bradley, praising his combat decisions, including the September 2 mission.

While the statement appeared to endorse the admiral, many observers saw it as Hegseth deflecting responsibility. Congressional and Pentagon officials expressed concern that Bradley might be used as a scapegoat, with Leavitts comments reportedly provoking frustration among Defense Department personnel over the uncertainty regarding accountability for the operation.

Adding to the scrutiny, a video resurfaced of Hegseth on Fox News on September 3, discussing the military operation in real time, making it harder for him to distance himself from the events.

On Capitol Hill, Democratic Senator Jacky Rosen of Nevada, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, called for Hegseths resignation, asserting that the alleged orders could constitute a war crime. The American public deserves full transparency and a thorough investigation. It is shameful for the Secretary of Defense to risk violating the laws of armed conflict, Rosen said.

Senator Richard Blumenthal echoed the demand, stating that Hegseth should resign, be removed, or placed on leave pending investigation, emphasizing the need to protect U.S. servicemembers and public trust. Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune avoided a direct assessment of Hegseths leadership, giving no clear endorsement.

Admiral Bradley is expected to meet with senior lawmakers this week to discuss the operation and address the controversy surrounding the second strike.

Author: Ava Mitchell