US Navy admiral briefs lawmakers over controversial 'double-tap' strike

December 4, 2025

Admiral Frank Bradley has commenced classified briefings with congressional leaders regarding a controversial September 2nd double-strike on a suspected drug-trafficking vessel in the Caribbean that killed multiple people. The incident involved an initial attack followed by a second strike that targeted survivors attempting to reboard their boat, raising serious legal questions about whether the action violated international rules against targeting wounded combatants or shipwrecked sailors. While the Trump administration maintains the operations are lawful and part of a broader campaign against drug trafficking that has killed over 80 people, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and military leadership face mounting bipartisan criticism over the legality of the strikes.

Who is affected

Admiral Frank Bradley (conducting briefings and facing scrutiny)
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth (under scrutiny over the incident)
Congressional lawmakers from both parties (receiving classified briefings)
Two survivors of the first strike who were targeted in the second attack
More than 80 people killed in US strikes in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific
Alejandro Carranza, a Colombian killed in strikes on September 14th, and his family (who filed a complaint with IACHR)
Venezuela (condemning the strikes)
President Donald Trump and his administration

What action is being taken

Admiral Frank Bradley is giving classified briefings to congressional lawmakers
The US is conducting ongoing military attacks on suspected drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific
The US has expanded its military presence in the Caribbean
Carranza's family has filed a complaint with the Inter-American Court of Human Rights

Why it matters

This incident raises fundamental questions about the limits of military force and adherence to international law during counter-narcotics operations. The targeting of survivors in a second strike potentially violates Geneva Convention protections for wounded combatants or shipwrecked sailors, setting a concerning precedent for how the US conducts military operations outside traditional warfare contexts. The bipartisan concern from lawmakers and expert doubts about legality suggest this could undermine international humanitarian law standards and damage US credibility on human rights issues, while the lack of public evidence supporting claims about victims being drug traffickers raises accountability concerns.

What's next

Admiral Bradley is expected to show video of the incident to Senate members and explain his decisions
General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is expected to join Admiral Bradley for the classified congressional hearing on Thursday
President Trump has indicated he has "no problem" with video of the second strike being made public

Read full article from source: BBC