British News Agency

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Monday: “Admiral (Frank) Bradley acted within his authority and the law when he issued the order for an additional strike.”

According to the Washington Post, Leavitt confirmed that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized the strikes but did not issue a “kill everyone” order. The second strike reportedly targeted two survivors of the initial blast who were clinging to the burning vessel.

Lawmakers from both the Republican and Democratic parties expressed concern over the report and pledged that Congress would investigate the strikes.

Leavitt added at the Monday briefing: “President (Donald) Trump and Secretary Hegseth made it clear that narco-terrorist groups designated by presidential order may be lethally targeted under the laws of war.”

The press secretary did not confirm whether two people survived the first strike or whether the second was intended to kill them.

Media reports that Hegseth ordered the killing of everyone on board during the September 2 strike have revived questions about the legality of U.S. military attacks on suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean.

Hegseth denied the allegations, calling them “fabricated, provocative, and degrading.” On Monday, he tweeted that Admiral Bradley is “an American hero, a true professional, and has my 100% support.”

In recent weeks, the U.S. has expanded its military presence in the Caribbean, carrying out a series of deadly strikes on suspected drug boats in international waters off Venezuela and Colombia as part of what it calls a counter-narcotics operation.

More than 80 people have been killed in these strikes since early September.

The Trump administration claims it is acting in self-defense by destroying boats that illegally transport drugs to the United States.