The Pentagon, however, declined to respond directly to media inquiries, while U.S. Special Operations Command also refused public comment.
Admiral saw alleged drug boat strike survivors as legitimate targets, defense official says
Rising Death Toll and Congressional Concerns
The Pentagon has acknowledged that 22 strikes on suspected drug boats have killed 86 people so far, with operations split evenly between the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific Ocean. Critics note that the administration has not publicly produced evidence supporting its claims about the identities or actions of those killed.
On Thursday, Bradley spent more than eight hours on Capitol Hill, briefing roughly a dozen lawmakers and staffers. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine also attended the sessions, underscoring the seriousness of congressional oversight.
Sources familiar with the briefings say Bradley told lawmakers his orders were explicit: kill everyone on the approved target list, destroy the drugs, and sink the vessel.
Broader Context and Public Trust
The unfolding story has reignited debate over the militarization of drug enforcement and the expanding definition of Narco-terrorists under U.S. policy. It also highlights broader public skepticism toward official narratives, similar to how online speculation can sometimes fill information gaps.
