On September 2, 2023, two survivors were killed by U.S. military strikes while they clung to wreckage from their vessel for nearly 45 minutes. The initial strike was followed by a second attack ordered by Admiral Frank Bradley, then head of Joint Special Operations Command, which killed the survivors and ultimately sank the boat.
Details of the Incident
According to government sources and a senior lawmaker, Admiral Bradley justified the follow-up strike by alleging that the wrecked vessel still posed a threat. After the first strike, it was reported that the survivors remained visible, aboard a small remnant of the vessel, clearly signaling for help. This situation has led to significant scrutiny from lawmakers and experts alike.
Command Decisions and Controversy
- Admiral Frank Bradley oversaw the operation and asserted that additional strikes were necessary.
- Secretary of War Pete Hegseth claimed he did not witness the survivors during the attack.
- Representative Adam Smith criticized Hegseth, stating there was ample time to assess the situation before the second strike.
Rep. Smith observed that the video evidence presented contradicted the narrative provided by military officials. “For over 48 minutes, two men were clearly visible on the capsized boat, and there was time for a proper assessment,” he noted.
Misconceptions and Legal Justifications
Sources reported that Bradley claimed there was a risk of drug trafficking, suggesting that the survivors could rejoin a criminal operation. However, other officials disputed this claim, indicating that the survivors were not actively engaging in any hostile actions.
Legal experts, such as Sarah Harrison, argue that the military’s decision was unjustified. “The survivors did not present an imminent threat, and their actions did not warrant lethal force,” Harrison remarked.
Moreover, the use of lethal strikes on suspected drug traffickers has raised alarms about the legality of U.S. military operations. Since September, the military executed 22 known attacks, leading to numerous civilian casualties.
Previous Attacks and Civilian Impact
The recent military operations have raised serious ethical and legal questions regarding the targeting of individuals in non-combat situations. Reports indicate that at least 87 civilians have been killed in the ongoing campaign against narcotics trafficking in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific regions.
With these developments, lawmakers across party lines are beginning to scrutinize the conduct of military operations, advocating for adherence to international law regarding the use of force.
The situation continues to evolve as more details emerge about the strikes, legal justifications, and the tragic consequences for civilians caught in conflict zones. The implications of these actions may hold significant consequences for U.S. military policy moving forward.
