ABC News has confirmed that the Sept. 2 strike against a cartel-linked cocaine vessel in the Caribbean Sea was legally justified and targeted active threats, countering earlier claims that the operation constituted a “double-tap” attack or war crime.
The operation, intended to prevent a major shipment of cocaine from reaching the United States, resulted in the deaths of 11 designated narco-terrorists.
Initial reports suggested two men survived the strike, but ABC cited sources familiar with the operation indicating the men reboarded the vessel, attempted to recover narcotics and maintained communication with other smuggling assets, confirming their status as active combatants.
The strike was part of a coordinated U.S. military effort to disrupt narcotics trafficking near American waters.
Officials emphasized that the operation was conducted under strict legal oversight, with a Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer providing guidance to ensure compliance with federal law and established rules of engagement.
Authorities said the mission aimed to neutralize high-value traffickers while minimizing civilian risk and dismantling a major drug operation.
Previous Caribbean counter-narcotics operations have reportedly disrupted cartel supply chains, preventing millions of dollars’ worth of cocaine from reaching U.S. shores.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth defended the mission, calling it “lawful and aligned with the intended objective” of stopping illegal drug transport.
He noted that U.S. forces acted deliberately and within the bounds of law, carefully targeting the vessel and its crew to prevent a substantial cocaine shipment from reaching American communities.
Earlier reports, including from the New York Times and Washington Post, suggested the secondary strike could be considered a war crime, claiming that surviving crew members were deliberately targeted after the initial attack.
ABC News reporting, citing sources familiar with the operation, clarified that the men were still engaged in drug trafficking activity at the time.
This determination, officials said, made them lawful military targets and directly challenges prior allegations of misconduct, underscoring the military’s adherence to operational and legal standards.
Political and media responses to ABC’s clarification were immediate, The Gateway Pundit noted.
Fox News host Jesse Watters remarked that the confirmation reinforced the legality and necessity of the mission, while White House adviser Stephen Miller emphasized that the strike neutralized “narco-combatants actively engaged in trafficking,” highlighting the administration’s focus on defending U.S. borders and national security.
The operation illustrates the U.S. military’s growing role in counter-narcotics missions near U.S. waters.
By concentrating on high-value targets, following strict legal protocols and maintaining operational precision, authorities aim to prevent illicit drugs from entering American communities while upholding the law.
ABC News’ reporting provides the most detailed public account of the incident, clarifying that the individuals involved were actively participating in criminal operations at the time of engagement.
Officials continue to affirm that all actions were reviewed under federal directives.
The ABC clarification rebuts earlier narratives of wrongdoing, confirming that U.S. forces acted within legal boundaries while executing a strategically necessary mission.
The reporting also highlights the importance of distinguishing confirmed facts from speculative claims in matters involving sensitive military operations, reinforcing public confidence in both the military and legal oversight processes.
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