URGENT UPDATE: The US Southern Command has confirmed a military strike in the eastern Pacific Ocean that left four people dead, reigniting intense scrutiny over President Trump’s controversial anti-drug campaign. This strike, conducted on Thursday, marks the 22nd strike against suspected drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific since the campaign began.
The latest operation comes after a nearly three-week pause, raising questions about the legality and ethics of the ongoing military actions. The death toll from these strikes now stands at a staggering 87 casualties, as the video released shows a small boat engulfed in flames and smoke after the attack.
This strike coincided with Adm. Frank “Mitch” Bradley‘s testimony at a closed-door briefing at the US Capitol, where lawmakers are investigating the military’s actions, particularly one that occurred on September 2. Reports indicate that Bradley may have ordered follow-up attacks that killed survivors, a move that legal experts warn could violate military warfare laws.
Bradley denied any “kill them all” order from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, but the disturbing footage has left many legislators questioning the military’s protocols. Lawmakers shared conflicting observations from the video, with Republican Sen. Tom Cotton stating he witnessed survivors attempting to right a capsized boat loaded with drugs. In stark contrast, Connecticut Rep. Jim Himes described the scene as “one of the most troubling” he has encountered, highlighting two distressed individuals clinging to a destroyed vessel before being struck by missiles.
The implications of these strikes are profound, potentially reshaping how military power is utilized in domestic law enforcement. Washington Rep. Adam Smith emphasized that the survivors were effectively helpless, drifting in the water until they were killed by US forces.
As the investigation unfolds, lawmakers are demanding clarity on the legal justifications for these military actions. The ongoing scrutiny of Hegseth’s leadership only intensifies amid these revelations, as questions mount regarding the appropriateness of using military force in the fight against drug trafficking.
What’s Next? The investigation into the military’s operations is ongoing, with more briefings scheduled. Lawmakers are expected to delve deeper into the legal ramifications of the strikes, seeking accountability and transparency from military leaders. The public and international community are watching closely as this situation develops, with significant implications for US military policy and drug enforcement strategies.
Stay tuned for the latest updates as this story continues to evolve.
