Controversy Surrounds Admiral Frank Bradley's Strikes on Venezuelan Drug Boats

In early September 2023, Admiral Frank M. “Mitch” Bradley, head of the U.S. military's Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), ordered a second strike on a suspected drug vessel in the southern Caribbean. This action followed an initial strike on September 2, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 11 individuals. The strikes have sparked significant controversy and scrutiny from both political parties in the United States.

Newsweek

Admiral Frank Bradley, a Texas native and graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, has had a distinguished military career, including leadership roles in the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) and Special Operations Command Central. He was promoted to head USSOCOM in October 2023. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who authorized the strikes, has publicly supported Bradley, labeling him an "American hero." However, Hegseth's alleged directive to "kill everybody" on board the vessel has been a focal point of contention.

Newsweek

Following the strikes, Hegseth defended the actions as lawful under both U.S. and international law, asserting that they were conducted in compliance with the law of armed conflict. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that while Hegseth authorized the strikes, he did not issue a direct order to kill survivors. Conversely, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell labeled the claim of a "kill everybody" order as a "dangerous & irresponsible lie."

Newsweek

Senate Majority Leader John Thune and other Republican senators have expressed support for the strikes, framing them as necessary actions against "narco-terrorist boats." In contrast, former military lawyers and international observers have raised concerns about potential violations of domestic and international law.

The Hill

The strikes have drawn bipartisan concern, with both Democratic and Republican members of Congress calling for investigations into the incident. Critics argue that the actions could endanger U.S. personnel and violate legal norms. The Washington Post reported that a classified Justice Department memo indicated that personnel involved in the strikes would not face prosecution, raising further ethical questions about the military's engagement rules.

The Hill

There are discrepancies in the narratives surrounding Hegseth's orders. While some reports claim he directed that no survivors be left, others suggest he only authorized the initial strike without specifying the fate of those aboard. This inconsistency has led to calls for clarity from congressional committees, which are seeking a classified briefing from Admiral Bradley to understand the full context of the strikes.

Newsweek

Admiral Bradley is scheduled to provide a classified briefing to the Senate and House Armed Services committees, where he will address the September strikes and related incidents. This briefing is expected to shed light on the military's operational decisions and the legal frameworks guiding such actions, as the U.S. continues to bolster its military presence near Venezuela amid ongoing tensions with the regime of Nicolás Maduro.

Newsweek