Survivors of Boat Strike Were Actively Continuing Drug Mission, Admiral to Tell Lawmakers
Commander of September attack to provide account of his role for the first time in closed briefing
By Shelby Holliday
and Alexander Ward
Dec. 3, 2025 8:04 pm ET
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WSJ’s Shelby Holliday explains how a strike on an alleged drug boat in September grew into a controversy rocking Washington. Photo: Department of Defense
WASHINGTON—Two survivors of a Sept. 2 U.S. strike on a boat in the Caribbean were killed in follow-up attacks after they were seen still aboard the damaged vessel alongside packages of illegal narcotics, a senior commander is expected to tell lawmakers Thursday.
Adm. Frank “Mitch” Bradley plans to say he and his legal adviser concluded the two survivors were attempting to continue their drug run, making them and the already-damaged vessel legitimate targets for another attack, two defense officials said.
Commander of September attack to provide account of his role for the first time in closed briefing
By Shelby Holliday
and Alexander Ward
Dec. 3, 2025 8:04 pm ET
You may also like
WSJ’s Shelby Holliday explains how a strike on an alleged drug boat in September grew into a controversy rocking Washington. Photo: Department of Defense
WASHINGTON—Two survivors of a Sept. 2 U.S. strike on a boat in the Caribbean were killed in follow-up attacks after they were seen still aboard the damaged vessel alongside packages of illegal narcotics, a senior commander is expected to tell lawmakers Thursday.
Adm. Frank “Mitch” Bradley plans to say he and his legal adviser concluded the two survivors were attempting to continue their drug run, making them and the already-damaged vessel legitimate targets for another attack, two defense officials said.
