Admiral Frank ‘Mitch’ Bradley, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, is facing intense scrutiny after reports revealed he authorized a second strike on survivors following a U.S. military attack on a suspected drug-trafficking vessel in the Caribbean.
According to a Washington Post investigation, the initial September strike—approved by the White House—was followed by a second strike targeting survivors clinging to the wreckage. Lawmakers from both parties say the action may constitute a potential war crime, prompting calls for an immediate congressional inquiry.
White House Confirms Bradley Ordered Second Strike
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth authorized Bradley to “conduct these kinetic strikes” against suspected narcotics traffickers.
Leavitt defended Bradley’s decisions, stating he: “worked well within his authority and the law to ensure the boat was destroyed and the threat to the United States of America was eliminated,” framing the strike as an act of self-defense “to protect Americans.”
The White House also confirmed that the second strike killed wounded civilians, placing primary responsibility on Bradley as the head of U.S. Special Operations Command.
Report Claims Bradley Acted After Surveillance Footage
The Post reported that Bradley ordered the follow-up strike after surveillance showed two men clinging to the sinking vessel, raising serious questions about the rules of engagement and proportionality.
The September incident killed 11 people and is part of the Trump administration’s expanded campaign against so-called “narco-terrorists” smuggling drugs from Venezuela to the United States. Officials claim the operations comply with international law, despite mounting civilian casualties.
Hegseth Denies Giving “Kill Everybody” Order
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth also faced criticism after reports alleged he verbally instructed an elite unit to “kill everybody” aboard the suspected drug boat.
Leavitt rejected that report, saying: “I would reject that the Secretary of War ever said that.”
The briefing appeared to shield Hegseth as scrutiny centered on the rules of engagement and how much authority he delegated to commanders like Bradley.
Bipartisan Lawmakers Warn of Possible War Crimes
Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have pledged to investigate the operation, stressing that targeting survivors during a military strike could violate international humanitarian law. Hegseth has reportedly granted commanders broad strike authority, a policy previously used heavily in the Middle East and now being expanded to the Caribbean.
Trump Says He Was Not Aware of the Second Strike
When asked aboard Air Force One whether striking survivors would be illegal, President Trump said: “I wouldn’t have wanted that, not a second strike,” adding that Hegseth told him it did not occur. “I have great confidence in him,” Trump said.
Who Is Admiral Frank Bradley?
Admiral Frank Mitchell Bradley is a senior U.S. Navy officer currently serving as Commander of United States Special Operations Command, a role he has held since October 3, 2025.
His previous roles include:
- Commander, Joint Special Operations Command (Aug. 10, 2022 – Sept. 26, 2025)
- Commander, Special Operations Command Central (July 20, 2020 – July 1, 2022)
- Assistant Commander, Joint Special Operations Command (2018 – 2020)
Bradley has spent much of his career in elite special operations leadership roles, making him one of the most influential military commanders in U.S. counterterrorism and global strike operations.
