Exclusive: Admiral informs lawmakers that boat involved in double-tap strike controversy was meeting vessel bound for Suriname

The vessel destroyed by the US military on September 2, carrying alleged drug traffickers, was reportedly en route to meet a larger ship destined for Suriname, a small South American nation east of Venezuela, according to Admiral Frank Bradley during a congressional briefing on Thursday, as confirmed by sources familiar with the discussion.

US intelligence indicated that the smaller boat intended to transfer its cargo to the second vessel, Bradley explained, though the military could not locate the larger ship. He emphasized that the shipment could still have eventually reached the United States, justifying the strike even if the boat was not directly heading toward US territory at the time.

This revelation adds complexity to the Trump administration's defense that multiple strikes, which resulted in the deaths of survivors, were necessary to prevent an imminent threat to the US. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had previously suggested the vessel might have been heading to Trinidad or another Caribbean destination, while President Trump described the operation as targeting terrorists transporting narcotics toward the United States in international waters.

Bradley, who was leading Joint Special Operations Command during the mission, also confirmed that the boat attempted to turn around upon spotting US aircraft. Reports indicated that the military struck the boat four timesthe initial strike split it in half, leaving two survivors clinging to debris, and subsequent strikes killed them and sank the vessel. Observers noted the survivors were signaling to the aircraft, though it remains unclear whether they were surrendering or seeking assistance.

The Pentagon has not issued a comment. International law considers the killing of shipwrecked individuals a war crime, defining them as people in need of assistance and care who must not be harmed.

While many Republicans support President Trumps broader military actions in the Caribbean, the secondary strike has faced bipartisan concern, prompting the Senate Armed Services Committee to promise oversight.

Author: Natalie Monroe