The White House confirmed there was a second strike on a boat it alleges was trafficking narcotics in international waters back in September and is defending the decision.

The comment follows a report alleging that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered forces to kill everyone on the boats, leading to a second strike that killed survivors of the initial attack.

RELATED STORY |

The White House says the order for the specific strike in September came from Adm. Frank “Mitch” Bradley, not directly from Hegseth. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt maintained that the admiral acted within his authority and that the follow-up strike was lawful.

"Admiral Bradley worked well within his authority and the law. He directed the engagement to ensure the boat was destroyed and the threat of

See Full Page