Washington: The White House confirmed a second military strike on a drug boat in the Caribbean, clarifying that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth did not order the killing of survivors. "President (Donald) Trump and Secretary Hegseth have made it clear that presidentially designated narco-terrorist groups are subject to lethal targeting in accordance with the laws of war," spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated to reporters. Hegseth had authorized US Special Operations Command commander Adm. Frank Bradley for these strikes on September 2, Leavitt added.

According to Anadolu Agency, which the US administration disputes, a commander directed a second strike to eliminate survivors, allegedly following a directive from Hegseth. The Pentagon initially denied this account, calling it entirely false, but the confirmation of the second strike suggests the report was not wholly inaccurate. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also rejected the report.

Both the House and Senate armed services committees are investigating the incident amid a broader campaign since September. This campaign has involved 21 strikes on boats suspected of smuggling narcotics, resulting in at least 83 deaths. US Sen. Chris Van Hollen suggested the possibility of a war crime, while Republican Rep. Don Bacon expressed significant concern over the report.

Leavitt mentioned that the Pentagon chief has discussed the incident with Congress members, who have received 13 briefings on the Venezuelan attacks. President Trump defended Hegseth, dismissing the report and expressing confidence in his denial of ordering the deaths. "Pete said that didn't happen. I have great confidence (in him) ... Pete said he did not order the death of those two men," Trump asserted.