Admiral Frank “Mitch” Bradley, who commands U.S. military strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean, denied receiving a “kill them all” order from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. However, a video of the attack raised concerns as Congress investigates the campaign that resulted in the deaths of two survivors.
During closed-door briefings at the Capitol, Sen. Tom Cotton stated that Bradley clarified he did not receive any orders to kill all on board. Despite Cotton defending the attack, Democrats expressed deep concerns after viewing the video of the survivors being killed.
Rep. Adam Smith criticized the order to destroy the drugs and kill the 11 people on the boat, highlighting the distressing nature of the incident. Lawmakers are conducting an investigation into the legality of the military strikes, which have resulted in the deaths of 80 individuals so far.
The classified briefings provided new information about the incident, but questions remain about the legal basis for President Donald Trump’s use of war powers against suspected drug smugglers. Calls for Hegseth’s resignation have been made, and lawmakers are seeking accountability for those involved in targeting the survivors.
Admiral Bradley, who was promoted to commander of U.S. Special Operations Command after the attack, faces scrutiny over his role in the incident. Lawmakers are demanding the release of the full video of the attack, as well as written records of the orders and directives from Hegseth.
Democrats are seeking further information, including the release of a White House Office of Legal Counsel memo providing a rationale for the strikes. However, obtaining this information depends on Republican lawmakers, who hold majority control of the committees.
The U.S. military operation near Venezuela has raised concerns internationally, with some viewing it as an attempt to prompt a government change in the country. President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela sees the operation as part of this effort.
