Pentagon Backs Admiral After Controversial 'Double Tap' Boat Strike

The Pentagon on Tuesday defended a controversial "double tap" boat strike conducted Sept. 2 that killed 11 people, saying the admiral who ordered the second attack "made the right call." Officials also sought to downplay Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s role as lawmakers press for more information and oversight.

The operation targeted a Venezuelan vessel off Trinidad’s coast. According to reporting, after an initial strike left survivors aboard, a second strike was carried out to eliminate those survivors. The second attack was reportedly executed by SEAL Team 6 under orders from the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) commander at the time, Adm. Bradley.

What officials say

Pentagon spokesperson Kingsley Wilson told reporters that "the decision to restrike the narcoterrorist vessel was made by Adm. Bradley, operating under clear and longstanding authorities to ensure the boat was destroyed and the threat to the United States was eliminated."

"Secretary Hegseth stands behind Adm. Bradley 100%. Adm. Bradley made the right call," Wilson added.

Hegseth has publicly denied the accuracy of a recent report that attributed a harsher order to him — an account that said he told JSOC to "kill everybody" on the boat. He continues to defend U.S. strikes on suspected narcotics vessels in international waters, while maintaining he was not aware of the second strike until hours later.

Political and legal fallout

At a Cabinet meeting with the president, Hegseth emphasized support for commanders in the field, saying such leaders "are making judgment calls ensuring they defend the American people." He added the campaign against narco-trafficking by sea is only beginning.

One month after the September operation, Adm. Bradley was promoted to lead U.S. Special Operations Command, which oversees JSOC. Pentagon officials also said that U.S. targeted strikes on small boats have killed at least 82 people since that September operation.

Members of both parties in Congress have raised concerns about oversight and legal authority. Some lawmakers say they have not received information that would legally justify bypassing congressional authorization to strike a vessel allegedly involved in drug smuggling, and they are calling for "vigorous oversight" and a formal investigation.

Context and concerns

Legal and human-rights advocates warn that so-called "double tap" strikes — attacking survivors after an initial strike — raise serious ethical and legal questions and could amount to war crimes if not thoroughly vetted. Lawmakers and the public are pushing for greater transparency about the intelligence, chain of command and legal rationale behind these operations.

The Pentagon’s public defense underscores the tension between executive-branch claims of authority to conduct maritime counter-narcotics operations and congressional demands for accountability. The issue remains under active scrutiny from multiple oversight bodies.