The White House is defending Navy Vice Adm. Frank 'Mitch' Bradley's order for a controversial second strike on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean in September, despite reports that it killed survivors from an initial attack. The incident has prompted bipartisan congressional scrutiny and a scheduled classified briefing by Bradley, as lawmakers question the legality and strategy of such military operations.
The White House on Monday publicly defended Navy Vice Adm. Frank 'Mitch' Bradley's decision to order a second, follow-up strike on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean Sea during a September U.S. military operation. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated Bradley acted 'within his authority and the law' to ensure the boat was destroyed and the threat eliminated, despite a Washington Post report suggesting there were survivors after the initial strike. This justification comes amid bipartisan congressional scrutiny, with lawmakers announcing a review into U.S. military strikes against suspected drug smugglers, citing serious concerns over the reported killing of survivors. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who authorized Bradley, has vehemently supported the admiral, calling him an 'American hero' and dismissing critical reports as 'fake news.' President Donald Trump initially expressed reservations about a second strike but later defended Hegseth. Bradley, who was promoted a month after the incident, is scheduled to provide a classified briefing to lawmakers. Congress is demanding answers regarding the legality of the attacks and the overall strategy in the region, particularly concerning the reported actions against survivors.
