A recent US military action in the Caribbean Sea has started a big argument in Washington. The event happened on September 2nd. The US military attacked a Venezuelan boat they believed was carrying drugs. After the first attack, they launched a second one. This second strike killed people who had survived the first one. The White House says the commander on the scene allowed the second attack. Now, politicians from both main parties are asking questions. They want to know if this was the right or legal thing to do.
This operation is part of a larger fight against drug smuggling. Former President Trump started this stronger campaign. He has said that countries helping to send drugs to the US could face a military answer. Since early September, there have been several deadly attacks in the Caribbean, killing more than 80 people. But critics say the US government does not show clear public evidence about the illegal activities of the people they target. They usually only release short, unclear videos of the attacks.
The main problem here is what officials call a "double tap" strike. This means hitting the same target twice. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said he watched the first strike live but left before the second one. He said he had a meeting and could not see because of smoke and fire. The decision for the second strike was made by Navy Admiral Frank Bradley at the scene. The White House supports his decision.
However, many lawmakers are worried. They are asking for full reviews and more information. Some senators want to see all the unedited video and the legal opinion that says such strikes are allowed. They are questioning the ethics and laws of attacking survivors. This incident asks big questions about using military force against drug smugglers and who controls these operations.