The U.S. Department of Defense defended the legality and legitimacy of Operation Southern Spear in light of new political and media criticism regarding a supposed “double strike” against a Venezuelan narco-boat that occurred on September 2. Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson held an unusually strong press conference where he stated that military actions are “fully within U.S. law, international law, and the Law of Armed Conflict,” while denying that Secretary of War Pete Hegseth had explicitly ordered the killing of all survivors from the initial attack.
“Every strike against these designated terrorist organizations is carried out to protect vital U.S. interests and defend the homeland,” stated Wilson. According to data revealed in the briefing, Southern Spear has conducted 21 kinetic strikes, resulting in 82 alleged narco-terrorists dead, two injured individuals repatriated, and a failed rescue attempt by Mexican authorities.
The “Double Strike” of September 2: What Happened and Who Gave the Order
The central episode that sparked the controversy occurred on September 2, when U.S. forces targeted a vessel suspected of belonging to the Cartel of the Suns, recently designated by the Trump administration as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO). The first strike destroyed the boat, killing nine occupants. However, two survivors clung to floating debris.
Minutes later, a second strike — dubbed the “double strike” — was executed to “eliminate the remaining threat,” according to Pentagon officials.
Wilson clarified that the decision was made by Admiral Frank “Mitch” Bradley, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command (Socom), “under clear and long-standing authorities,” and not by Secretary Hegseth.
This clarification came after a Washington Post article claimed that Hegseth ordered U.S. forces to “kill them all” from the boat, prompting immediate accusations of war crimes from Democratic leaders and some Republicans. The White House refuted the report, labeling it “fabricated, inflammatory, and deeply misleading.”
Additionally, the New York Times reported that Hegseth did authorize the initial strike but did not give specific instructions regarding the survivors, a decision that rested fully with Bradley.
In a message posted on X, Hegseth defended the admiral:
“Admiral Mitch Bradley is an American hero. He has my 100% support. The United States is fortunate to have men like him protecting our nation.”
Southern Spear: The Largest U.S. Military Operation in the Caribbean in Decades
Officially launched on November 14, Operation Southern Spear marks the most robust military intervention by the United States in the Caribbean since the 1980s. The deployed assets include:
- The carrier USS Gerald R. Ford;
- Arleigh Burke-class destroyers;
- Special forces units;
- F-35 and P-8 aircraft;
- And more than 15,000 military personnel.
The stated goal is to dismantle narco-terrorism networks operating in maritime routes between Venezuela, the Caribbean, and the U.S. President Donald J. Trump has endorsed the operation, warning on November 29 that the airspace “over and around Venezuela” is “completely closed”, a warning directed at airlines, pilots, drug traffickers, and human traffickers.
The FAA had warned days earlier about GPS interferences and increasing military risks in the area.
International Reactions and Internal Criticism
The operation has caused significant diplomatic tensions.
Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro characterized the attacks as “illegal aggressions” and an “unjust war” against Venezuela. The United Kingdom and Colombia temporarily suspended intelligence sharing with the U.S., citing uncertainty about the legality of the actions.
The Soufan Center warned of possible “mission creep”, noting that operations could expand beyond initial objectives. In the U.S. Congress, Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) called for Hegseth’s resignation, describing him as a “possible war criminal,” while moderate Republicans have requested formal congressional authorization to continue the operation.
“We Have Just Begun”: The Pentagon Defends Its Position
Despite the criticisms, Wilson concluded his statement reaffirming the Pentagon’s commitment:
“This department will defend our homeland. That’s not just a slogan; it’s a commitment. And, as Secretary Hegseth has said: When it comes to eliminating narco-terrorists, we have only just begun.”
Sources from Reuters and Bloomberg state that the White House is evaluating a limited ground phase within Venezuelan territory. Trump has indicated that actions will occur “very soon.” Reports suggest CIA covert operations are already authorized, but a direct dialogue between Trump and Maduro is also being planned to avoid unwanted regional escalation.