White House confirms 2nd strike on alleged drug boat, but denies Hegseth gave order

'Presidentially designated narco-terrorist groups are subject to lethal targeting in accordance with the laws of war,' says spokesperson

By Yasin Gungor and Michael Hernandez

ISTANBUL/WASHINGTON (AA) - The White House confirmed Monday a controversial second military strike on a drug boat in the Caribbean, but denied Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the killing of survivors.

"President (Donald) Trump and Secretary Hegseth have made it clear that presidentially designated narco-terrorist groups are subject to lethal targeting in accordance with the laws of war," spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told reporters.

She said Hegseth authorized US Special Operations Command commander Adm. Frank Bradley to conduct these kinetic strikes on Sept. 2.

Leavitt said Bradley, directed the second engagement, acting "well within his authority and the law" to ensure the threat was eliminated.

According to a report in The Washington Post, which the US administration denied, a commander ordered a second strike to eliminate two survivors from the initial attack to comply with a directive by Hegseth to kill everyone on board.

Kaynak:

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