U.S. Lawmakers Question Navy Admiral on Controversial Boat Strikes

The U.S. Navy admiral in charge of a controversial campaign targeting vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking near Venezuela addressed key lawmakers on Tuesday. Admiral Alvin Holsey, who is set to retire from his position at U.S. Southern Command, spoke during a classified video call with members of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Lawmakers are seeking further clarity regarding the operations that have resulted in significant casualties, including the deaths of two survivors following a strike on September 2, 2023.

The conversation marked a crucial moment as Congress pushes for accountability from the Department of Defense regarding the strikes and their implications. Sen. Roger Wicker, the committee’s Republican chair, described Holsey as a “great public servant” but refrained from discussing the specifics of the call. Lawmakers are pressing the Pentagon for unedited video footage of the strikes and the orders authorizing these actions, which are included in the annual defense authorization bill. Wicker indicated that the Pentagon is reviewing whether portions of the video remain classified.

This scrutiny arises in the wake of legal concerns regarding the military’s use of lethal force. Sen. Chris Coons, a Democrat from Delaware, criticized the strategy, suggesting that the military’s efforts appear to target low-level drug traffickers rather than effectively combatting larger cartel operations. He stated, “They are using expensive, exquisite American military capabilities to kill people who are the equivalent of corner dealers.”

The military’s campaign against drug-related activities in the region has intensified under President Trump’s administration, with reports indicating that the strikes have resulted in the deaths of at least 87 individuals since the campaign commenced in September. This situation raises questions about the underlying goals of the operations and the intelligence guiding military actions.

During the briefing, lawmakers expressed concern about the intelligence used to justify the strikes. They discovered that the boat targeted on September 2 was heading south at the time of the attack, with military intelligence suggesting its course was toward another vessel en route to Suriname. This revelation has led to further discussions about the effectiveness and legality of the military’s current approach.

Trump has defended the military actions, claiming that the two deceased individuals were attempting to right their capsized vessel when the second strike occurred. However, Adm. Frank “Mitch” Bradley, the special operations commander who ordered the attack, stated in a closed-door briefing that the strike was aimed at preventing cartel members from retrieving cocaine from the boat.

As Congress continues to investigate, lawmakers, including Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, have called for comprehensive data to assess the situation fully. The ongoing dialogue between military officials and congressional leaders is a testament to the critical nature of this issue, especially as the Trump administration takes a more aggressive stance against drug trafficking in the region.

In addition to the discussions with Holsey, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth are set to provide a broader briefing on foreign policy and national security later on Tuesday. The outcomes of these discussions may greatly influence future military strategies and their implications for U.S.-Venezuela relations.