The Controversial Caribbean Strike: A Double-Tap Attack
On September 2, 2025, the United States military attacked a boat in the southern Caribbean Sea. The boat was suspected of carrying drugs and having a connection to Venezuela. This attack was part of the U.S. plan to fight drug trafficking in the region. The first strike stopped the boat, but the mission became very controversial. It turned into an international issue and brought a top U.S. Navy officer into the spotlight.
According to The Washington Post, after the first strike, some people on the boat were killed, but two people survived. Then, a second strike was ordered, which killed the two survivors. This second strike is called a “double tap” attack. Critics say it may have been illegal under U.S. law and international rules of war.
Admiral Frank M. Bradley: A Career in Elite Special Operations
The officer who reportedly gave the order for the second strike was Admiral Frank M. Bradley. He is a highly respected and senior officer in the U.S. Navy. Bradley started his military career after graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 1991. Most of his work has been in special operations.
Before this controversy, Bradley was already one of the top leaders in U.S. special operations. He is a Navy SEAL and has served in elite units like SEAL Team Six. He was among the first to go to Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks. At the time of the strike in September 2025, Bradley was the commander of the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), a post he held since August 2022. On October 3, 2025, he became the head of the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), one of the top military positions for special operations.
The Scrutiny and the Question of Lawfulness
The main controversy is about the second strike. Critics say it was wrong to attack people who were no longer a threat. Under international law, people who are out of the fight should be protected and treated humanely.
Reports say the second strike may have followed a verbal order from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to “kill everybody” on the boat. U.S. officials say Admiral Bradley acted to “remove a threat” and destroy the boat. But legal experts argue the two men were already out of danger once they were in the water. The main question is whether the men were still fighting or just survivors.
Official Defense and Political Fallout
The White House defended the strike. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Admiral Bradley acted legally to stop a threat from “narco-terrorists.” Defense Secretary Hegseth called Bradley “an American hero” and said he allowed follow-up strikes if needed.
The incident caused international criticism, especially from Venezuela. It also worried U.S. lawmakers from both parties. Congress wants full transparency, video evidence, and a legal investigation. This case raises bigger questions about U.S. use of deadly force in fighting drugs outside war zones. The results of the investigation could affect Admiral Bradley’s career and the rules for future military operations.
Disclaimer
The news information presented here is based on available reports and reliable sources concerning a U.S. military operation. Readers should cross-check updates from official news outlets, congressional reports, and legal analyses as the investigations unfold.