Admiral saw alleged drug boat strike survivors as legitimate targets, defense official says

Adm. Frank M. Bradley saw the two survivors of a strike on an alleged drug-smuggling boat as legitimate military targets based on the rules for the operation, which may have identified them as narco terrorists, a defense official told NBC News.

WASHINGTON — Adm. Frank M. Bradley saw the two survivors of a September strike on an alleged drug-smuggling boat as legitimate military targets based on the rules for the operation, which may have identified them as narco-terrorists, a defense official told NBC News.

The military then launched a second strike on the same boat, generating controversy over whether the second strike was legal or could potentially constitute a war crime.

Lawmakers call for video of 2nd strike on alleged drug boat02:34The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday night that Bradley concluded that the survivors of the first strike Sept. 2 were trying to continue a drug run, making them legitimate targets. NBC News has asked the Pentagon for comment on what Bradley plans to tell lawmakers as he briefs them Thursday.

Both the House and the Senate have launched inquiries into the second strike, which killed the two survivors, according to officials.

A U.S. strike on a vessel in the southern Caribbean on Sept. 2.@realDonaldTrump via Truth SocialEarlier this week, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said he did not see survivors after the first strike.