Washington: The Pentagon was aware of survivors following a September strike on a suspected drug trafficking boat in the Caribbean Sea, yet proceeded with a second follow-up strike, according to sources familiar with the matter. The follow-up attack was justified as necessary to ensure the vessel’s sinking. The Trump administration maintains that all 11 people aboard the boat were killed.

Uncertainty remains about who specifically authorised the strikes and whether Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth was involved. This issue has gained importance as congressional lawmakers undertake investigations into the legality of the military operations. A classified briefing on Thursday is set to include Admiral Frank "Mitch" Bradley, who the Trump administration says ordered the second strike.

Hegseth

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