WASHINGTON — The White House on Monday (Dec 1) defended a US admiral s decision to conduct multiple strikes on an alleged Venezuelan drug-smuggling vessel in September, saying he had Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth s authorisation, even as critics questioned the legality of a strike on survivors.The Washington Post had reported that a second strike was ordered to kill two survivors from the initial strike and to comply with an order by Hegseth that everyone be killed.President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he would not have wanted a second strike on the boat and said Hegseth denied giving such an order.But White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said on Monday that Hegseth had authorised Admiral Frank Bradley to conduct the strikes on Sept 2. Secretary Hegseth authorised Admiral Bradley to conduct these kinetic strikes. Admiral Bradley worked well within his authority and the law directing the engagement to ensure the boat was destroyed and the threat to the United States of America was eliminated, Leavitt said.
Tuesday 16 December 2025
asiaone - 15 days ago
White House defends US attack on boat from Venezuela as lawful
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