US Navy Conducts Second Strike on Alleged Venezuelan Drug Boat

US Navy Conducts Second Strike on Alleged Venezuelan Drug Boat

The White House has confirmed that a top US Navy commander, Admiral Frank Bradley, authorised a second military strike on an alleged Venezuelan drug boat, following reports that two people survived an initial attack. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on Monday that Bradley acted “within his authority and the law,” and clarified that Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth did not order a “kill everyone” directive, contrary to media claims.

The second strike reportedly occurred after survivors clung to the burning vessel, prompting renewed concerns over the legality of US military operations targeting alleged drug-smuggling boats in international waters near Venezuela and Colombia. Over 80 people have been killed in these operations since early September, part of a broader US anti-narcotics mission in the Caribbean.

Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have called for congressional reviews. The Senate Armed Services Committee, chaired by Senator Roger Wicker, said it will seek testimony from the admiral in charge, as well as audio and video evidence, to determine the exact nature of the orders. The House Armed Services Committee has also pledged a bipartisan investigation into the operation.

READ ALSO:

• Niger School Abductions: Ribadu Promises Swift Rescue, Cites US, UK, France Support
• Abbas Rejects SERAP Claim Linking Him to ₦18.6bn NASC Project Mismanagement
• Diaspora Nigerians Demand Urgent Reform of NIN, Passport Processing Systems

Experts have questioned whether the second strike could be considered legal under international law, highlighting protections for shipwrecked sailors or incapacitated combatants under the Geneva Conventions. The Trump administration maintains the operations are part of a non-international armed conflict against narco-terrorist groups, which it claims are subject to lethal targeting.

The strikes have further escalated tensions with Venezuela, with President Nicolás Maduro and the National Assembly condemning the attacks and pledging an investigation. US officials have accused Maduro of leading the Cartel of the Suns, an organisation allegedly involved in drug trafficking and terrorism, allegations Maduro denies.

In recent weeks, Trump has also discussed the potential deployment of US ground forces to Venezuela and reportedly pressured Maduro to resign during a phone call, offering him a safe departure under certain conditions, which were rejected. The escalating crisis has raised international concerns over the use of lethal force and the potential violation of humanitarian law in anti-drug operations.

US Navy Conducts Second Strike on Alleged Venezuelan Drug Boat

BBC