Top Republican lawmakers are ending their inquiries into a US military strike on an alleged drug smuggling vessel off Venezuela, despite Democrats’ concerns about the investigation’s scope. Rep. Mike D. Rogers and Sen. Wicker launched parallel investigations after a Washington Post report revealed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s authorization for the attack.
The strikes killed 11 people, including two survivors who claimed they were not “shipwrecked” due to the military’s strict interpretation of the law of armed conflict. Adm. Frank M. Bradley, the Navy officer who oversaw the strike, met with lawmakers and explained his decision-making process.
However, retired military lawyers have cast doubt on this approach, arguing that it is not legally justified under international law. They contend that using deadly force against drug traffickers is not a legitimate use of military power. Democrats have called for a formal investigation into the strike, citing the lack of transparency from the Pentagon.
Despite the end of these investigations, lawmakers continue to push for more information about the Trump administration’s strategy in Latin America. The Defense Department has already provided some documents, but key materials remain withheld, including Hegseth’s orders and a lawyer’s opinion on the strike. Lawmakers are still seeking answers on this issue, with some threatening to withhold travel funds from Hegseth until he provides more information.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/12/18/boat-strike-survivors-congress-inquiries