Admiral told lawmakers everyone on alleged drug boat was on a list of military targets
Source: NBC News
Dec. 6, 2025, 6:47 PM EST
WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the U.S. military on Sept. 2 to kill all 11 people on a suspected drug-smuggling boat in the Caribbean Sea because they were on an internal list of narco-terrorists who U.S. intelligence and military officials determined could be lethally targeted, the commander overseeing the operation told lawmakers in briefings this past week, according to two U.S. officials and one person familiar with the congressional briefings.
Such a list includes individuals who are eligible for being targeted, including with lethal action, if given the opportunity. The commander who oversaw the Sept. 2 strikes, Adm. Frank “Mitch” Bradley, told lawmakers that U.S. intelligence officials had confirmed the identities of the 11 people on the boat and validated them as legitimate targets, then the military launched airstrikes as part of President Donald Trump’s military campaign against alleged drug-smuggling vessels, the U.S. officials and person familiar with the congressional briefings said.
The detail that the 11 people on the boat were on an internal U.S. military target list has not previously been made public. It adds another dimension to the Sept. 2 operation that has been mired in controversy over the military’s decision to launch a second strike after the first left two survivors in the water.
Lawmakers have raised questions about whether the second strike violated international law. Whether Hegseth directed Bradley, who is the commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, to kill everyone on the boat has been key question in the controversy over the second strike.
Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/admiral-told-lawmakers-everyone-alleged-drug-boat-was-list-military-ta-rcna247767
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DemMedic
(558 posts)?
Girard442
(6,804 posts)Our policies allow us to summarily execute only people who are an immediate threat.
We summarily executed those people, therefore they were an immediate threat.
Nothing new since Viet Nam.
Roy Rolling
(7,374 posts)Really? And exactly what did the boat threaten? So they knew when the 11 were taking a boat ride, but the only way to stop them was with state-of-the-art military missiles on the open sea?
These fucking clowns dig themselves deeper with every coverup lie.
NotHardly
(2,419 posts)
pcdb
(72 posts)
liberalgunwilltravel
(1,038 posts)Doesn’t absolve you from murder. These have all been illegal summary executions. You’re a disgrace to your uniform, Admiral. And you’ve thrown away an honorable career in the service of monsters.
sop
(17,147 posts)Being on a "secret list" means there is no transparency or due process, allowing regimes to target opponents arbitrarily and outside the rule of law.
kacekwl
(8,835 posts)no list.
Aussie105
(7,496 posts)Throw in some random names, label them all 'bad guys', and everything is fine, everything is justified and hunky-dory.
This is your government protecting you!
NotHardly
(2,419 posts)Joseph McCarthy's Claims
The Wheeling Speech
On February 9, 1950, Senator Joseph McCarthy delivered a speech in Wheeling, West Virginia, where he claimed to possess a list of 205 members of the U.S. State Department who were "known communists." This assertion marked the beginning of a significant anti-communist campaign, later termed "McCarthyism."
Impact of the Claims
McCarthy's allegations sparked widespread fear and paranoia about communist infiltration in the U.S. government. His claims resonated with the public, especially in the context of Cold War tensions, including the recent communist takeover in China and the Soviet Union's atomic bomb test.
Lack of Evidence
Despite the dramatic nature of his accusations, McCarthy failed to provide concrete evidence or the names of those he accused. His tactics included vague references and shifting numbers, which contributed to a climate of fear but ultimately lacked substantiation.
Consequences
McCarthy's campaign led to significant political and social repercussions, including the censure of McCarthy by the Senate in 1954 for his conduct. His actions had a lasting impact on American politics, leading to a broader understanding of "McCarthyism" as a term for reckless and unfounded accusations.
Bluetus
(2,079 posts)This was a little boat. If the mighty USA has evidence that these people were "narcoterrorists", the Coast Guard could easily have apprehended them and taken that evidence to court.
jaymac
(161 posts)That Colin Powell was the most respected black man in America before the Bush/Cheney cabal made him go up and lie to the UN about the WMD's Saddam had. Later that year, only the little man Sharpton was the respected black man (meh!)
RazorbackExpat
(847 posts)
Bengus81
(9,677 posts)All LIES,all BULLSHIT and thousands of dead American soldiers.
perdita9
(1,316 posts)In international waters, no less. Were there people on the boat who weren't on the list? Is the U.S. Navy aware that turnabout is fair play and it might be their officers in the crosshairs at some point?
Irish_Dem
(78,755 posts)This will be the attitude against the US military now as well.
sop
(17,147 posts)ashredux
(2,833 posts)
gab13by13
(30,929 posts)how about releasing their names? Oh no, it's much easier to keep everything secretive, one might get caught lying.
Hey admiral, how soon before Krasnov or Kegsbreath gives you a list of Americans to murder? Saying someone is on a list won't cut it in a courtroom.
Grolph_
(154 posts)Assholes
kacekwl
(8,835 posts)
Biophilic
(6,352 posts)Every excuse is more ridiculous than the one before. How on earth did we get to be so stupid?
KS Toronado
(22,577 posts)Doesn't all this bullshit sound just like him? 
Biophilic
(6,352 posts)I always remind myself that none of this is trump by himself. There is a large group of terrifying idiots with him.
KS Toronado
(22,577 posts)
Traildogbob
(12,352 posts)GiqueCee
(3,186 posts)... that psychotic little hemorrhoid needs to be removed by any means necessary.
travelingthrulife
(4,107 posts)
SergeStorms
(19,856 posts)had expired library cards and owed a total of $11.37 in late charges. Sorry, but the Trump maladministration must draw the line somewhere.
COL Mustard
(7,900 posts)To add a patina of legitimacy to this action. We will probably succeed.
Meanwhile, why did Admiral Holsey suddenly step down as the Commander of SOUTHCOM? That’s a question that won’t go away.
travelingthrulife
(4,107 posts)COL Mustard
(7,900 posts)I hope he'll speak more freely and tell us, not leave us guessing.
everyonematters
(3,994 posts)boats. Did they know who was on this particular boat? Why are they coming out with this now? It does not make the policy any less suspect. It is still against accepted international behavior.
johnnyfins
(3,348 posts)Lists don't mean shit. He followed illegal orders. Can't claim ignorance. We are not at war. We are talking about murder.
RockRaven
(18,557 posts)which would result in an ineffective counsel appeal succeeding. Other than that, I hope his lawyer sucks ass.
Bengus81
(9,677 posts)
AverageOldGuy
(3,243 posts)If I get together with some of my old soldier friends and we identify certain individuals as threats to the country, then we can . . . . .
That’s good to know. Think I’ll make a few phone calls.
travelingthrulife
(4,107 posts)
lark
(25,813 posts)Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't believe a thing he says.
paleotn
(21,329 posts)Oh! You can't?
Said admiral is a disgrace to the service and should be stripped!!! 
duckworth969
(1,057 posts)Pure & simple
Baitball Blogger
(51,584 posts)
lamp_shade
(15,331 posts)
Jilly_in_VA
(13,690 posts)exactly HOW? Dp they get boarding and passenger lists ahead of time, or what? Inquiring minds &c.
GiqueCee
(3,186 posts)... are busy digging their own political graves, please, do not interrupt them.
hay rick
(9,271 posts)When you complain about their lies they spit in your face.
Justice
(7,233 posts)Story keeps changing
J_William_Ryan
(3,243 posts)The first strike violated international law.
hlthe2b
(112,444 posts)all lethal force on these boats in international waters is illegal. Further, even WITH a declared war, the Geneva Conventions apply and require surrendering or incapacitated survivors of an attack to be rescued and detained as POWs.
Whether WAR crimes, civil murder crimes, or violations of the Military Code of Conduct, it is immaterial to me. All involved need to be detained, lose their rank, and PROSECUTED/COURT Martialed. Sorry, but that includes this ADMIRAL who was warned against taking and carrying out illegal orders.
wolfie001
(6,713 posts)That's my opinion. 
Martin Eden
(15,256 posts)...and they all just happened to be on an existing list of legally authorized "military" targets. Do we have agents on the ground along the Venezuelan coast who can positively ID every person as they get on a boat?
We're not in a declared war with Venezuela, nor is there an existing Congressional authorization for military action. Just slapping the "terrorist" label on suspected drug smugglers does not make it so. Aside from illegal trafficking of drugs (unproven assertions) what acts of "terrorism" have they committed?
Trump and his strutting Secretary of "War" can be judge, jury, and executioner of people who are mere suspects, justified by an overriding concern about drugs smuggled into our country -- yet Trump pardoned the former president of Honduras convicted of trafficking 400 tons of cocaine???
It's fairly obvious what's going on here. Trump wants a war with Venezuela to change the regime and gain access to that country's vast oil deposits. He's already said ground action is next, and declared Venezuelan airspace is "closed."
This regime is also intent on expanding its power to use our military to enforce its agenda on US soil. Troops have already been deployed, and Trump stated on Sep 30 in front of our nation's top military leadership assembled at Quantico that he wants to use American cities as military "training grounds." At that same meeting, Hegseth said the old rules of engagement will no longer handcuff our "warriors," freeing them to do what they do best -- "kill people and break things."
Call it "unitary executive" or "fascism" or whatever authoritarian term best applies -- it is already happening, and our Constitutional rule of law hangs in the balance.
twodogsbarking
(17,267 posts)
Solly Mack
(96,242 posts)
doc03
(38,737 posts)the second one yet. The last two days Facebook has been polluted with posts supporting the governments side.
It is obvious they are slow walking the release while they are trying to bullshit the public. Apparently, they checked
the victims IDs before they blew them into a thousand pieces, if we believe the admiral.
beyondtimes
(24 posts)As far as military exigencies permit, after each naval engagement, all possible measures should be taken without delay to search for and collect the wounded, sick, and shipwrecked, and to recover the dead.70 13.3.5 Surrender by Enemy Vessels. The general rules on the protection of persons hors de combat, including the rule prohibiting the attack of persons who have surrendered, also apply to enemy vessels.71 In particular, it is forbidden to make an enemy vessel the object of attack if it has genuinely, clearly, and unconditionally surrendered, in circumstances in which it is feasible to accept such surrender.72 Once an enemy vessel has clearly indicated a readiness to surrender, the attack must be discontinued.73 Indicia of surrender by vessels may include: • hauling down her flag; • hoisting a white flag; 74 • surfacing (in the case of submarines); 75 • stopping engines and responding to the attacker’s signals; 76 or 70 Refer to § 7.4.1 (GWS-Sea Obligation Regarding the Search, Collection, and Affirmative Protection of the Wounded, Sick, Shipwrecked, and Dead). 71 Refer to § 5.9.3 (Persons Who Have Surrendered). 72 2007 NWP ¶8.6.1 (“It is forbidden, however, to target an enemy warship or military aircraft that in good faith unambiguously and effectively conveys a timely offer of surrender.”); 1955 NWIP ¶511c (“It is forbidden to refuse quarter to any enemy who has surrendered in good faith. In particular, it is forbidden either to continue to attack enemy warships and military aircraft which have clearly indicated a readiness to surrender or to fire upon the survivors of such vessels and aircraft who no longer have the means to defend themselves.”). 73 2007 NWP 1-14M ¶8.6.1 (“Once an enemy warship has clearly indicated a readiness to surrender, such as by hauling down her flag, by hoisting a white flag, by surfacing (in the case of submarines), by stopping engine
DFW
(59,593 posts)I suppose that he will next tell us he has the names of everyone that ordered an enchilada at a Texas restaurant in the past year (which is now he made up his list of whom to arrest by Christmas).
patphil
(8,602 posts)Even if it was a drug boat, and there isn't any evidence it was, most of the people on the boat would be simple crewmen.
The story is bullshit, pure and simple. We need an excuse to commit murder on the high seas so we can distract the people from the things that are much more important.
We know it's not the drugs because Trump just pardoned former Honduran President Hernandez, a man who facilitated the shipment of 400 tons of cocaine to the US.
https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/former-honduran-president-released-us-prison-after-trump-pardon-2025-12-02/
I wonder how much Trump got paid for that pardon?
And, I wonder how long it will be before there's a list of American citizens who are "enemies of the state" and are authorized to be killed.
Farmer-Rick
(12,351 posts)These were common citizens living in Venezuela out on a fishing boat. Their individual names weren't on any list until they were murdered. Where would they get the names unless they were working with the Venezuelan government? Which we all know they aren't. The Admiral quick made up a list and put their names on it. Let's see the list you lying Admiral.
Then you kill them once they were drowning out at sea. That's still illegal even if their names magically appeared on a super secret list.
Cover up much Admiral? You have seriously tarnished your once honorable reputation.
So according to this lying Admiral, it's ok to murder shipwrecked drowning men, if their names appear on some kind of list. I sure as hell would never want to be on a crew with that lying sack of sh*t covering for his Nazi pals.
SunSeeker
(57,393 posts)And they were not even headed to the US.
The feds' whole story is bullshit.
It looks far more likely that Hegseth murdered a bunch of desperate migrants and their smuggler.
OMGWTF
(4,985 posts)
Historic NY
(39,533 posts)RockRaven
(18,557 posts)
hedda_foil
(16,882 posts)So they have the full names and middle initials of the who's who of the drug boat crews and can call in the Navy to kill them.
Suuuure.
bluestarone
(20,982 posts)REMOVED from the service.
sakabatou
(45,629 posts)1) Stripped of rank.
2) Time in the brig.
3) Then dishonorable discharge.
4) Civilian charges for murder.
raccoon
(32,168 posts)SunSeeker
(57,393 posts)
Maeve
(43,325 posts)
flvegan
(65,606 posts)flashman13
(1,876 posts)undergrounddemsunite
(14 posts)I just hope we are not dragged into another senseless war!
Response to BumRushDaShow (Original post)
Name removed Message auto-removed
Doc_Technical
(3,725 posts)is the yanquis insatiable appetite for drugs.
LiberalLovinLug
(14,556 posts)I'm not saying those lives were small. But Democrats get wound up in these ethical backed outrages that have no resolution. Whether the admiral was being honest or not, and he could very well be, its unprovable and it can be turned around to an accusation of not supporting our military by MAGA influencers.
This is a DISTRACTION folks. Trump is doing 10x the destruction on lives within the country itself. Of course be outraged, but the news media seems to just go along lazily with whatever the whitehouse lays down for them as their daily/weekly story. Meanwhile they are dismantling democracy at home.
BumRushDaShow
(164,541 posts)It is their blueprint for declaring anyone they want, a "terrorist", and then using that designation as justification, to carry out extra-judicial executions. They are already compiling lists of Democratic Party and liberal-focused organizations.
LiberalLovinLug
(14,556 posts)Focus on domestic illegal abuses of the constitution. Hell, if you want to go down that road, even Obama was guilty of bombing a few weddings in Afghanistan. This is nothing new with American foreign policy. If this was done under any other admin, I'd say go for it, spend all the time you want on it. But with this admin, there are far far worse things they are doing right at home. Pick your battles
ForgoTheConsequence
(5,156 posts)If basic humanity isn't the battle worth fighting, what is? Who gives a shit what right-wing pundits have to say? What an odd argument.
LiberalLovinLug
(14,556 posts)The other networks do. Podcasters do. SM Influencers do.
And because of that its the Main Topic on the MSM. And there is only so much time in the day. Of course you don't ignore it, but its hard to watch Trump win again with his crude tactic of throwing mud, or ketchup, at every wall he can, and knows that, just like Obama's questionable drone bombing, it will take up time to parse everything, go to congress, etc.... and just like every other time with incidents like this...it will be excused for "national security" reasons. Hell, even if it results in Pete H. leaving, the Project 2025 won't stop. There is a much larger, more important fight at home.
I'm sorry if I come off as crass towards the mothers siblings and friends of those killed, whether they were part of a gang or not. But Trump is killing Democracy and the rule of law within his own country. He knew it would add to the chaos. And deflect. And it works. Case in point this thread
ForgoTheConsequence
(5,156 posts)30 years ago, would you have been worried about what Rush Limbaugh thought? This is an insane argument.
BumRushDaShow
(164,541 posts)There is a thing called "walking and chewing gum at the same time". Not everyone is tunnel-visioned "single issue (as long as it's THEIR issue) ", and actually have the ability to prioritize their overall efforts in order to pivot to one that might be needed at a critical moment.
No one on this board has promoted "spending all (their) time" on a "single issue" except those who accuse others of doing such.
LiberalLovinLug
(14,556 posts)In reality, there is only so much time in the day for the MSM to report on daily events.
There is only so much attention span, and news topics, the watching public can absorb in one day.
I'm not saying ignore it, but it seems the MSM producers want to pick one main story as their theme for the day, sometimes for the week, like this story has absorbed. They create graphics, and compose the outlines for their hosts. They invest in this type of production because its tried and true to keep audiences on line.
And throwing every crime and f'd up action by Trump on all at once is too much of a load. So they pick and choose. I simply think there are way more controversial, constitution-attacking, democracy-killing, going on that pale in comparison to rehashing yet another military action by America, outside of the country, which most of the public doesn't care about (sadly), and which won't lead to any charge, nor any massive public outrage if there isn't..
BumRushDaShow
(164,541 posts)I post a lot of "news". I go through over 3 dozen different news sites throughout each day looking for the odds and ends "important" stories that get buried under the Taylor Swift/Jason Kelce/Patrick Mahomes/Lifestyle - "This 1-word response from my MIL changed my life" nonsense that litters these sites.
The vast majority of people are NOT paying attention to this but for those who do, they can surely pass on "the main idea" to their families, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. The reason? The first term, much of what 45 did was laughable and pretty much dismissed. But this time he has the full power and "authority" ceded to him by both the Legislative AND highest court of the Judicial Branch (not the lower courts, who have for the most part, tried and tried and tried), and his directives to his zombie underlings and actions, HAVE caused actual massive damage to our institutions AND to people.
Any "outrage" that you see here on DU is but a microcosm that represents the reactions from political junkies within the scope of a very large society. But having the knowledge CAN and DOES help to "sway a crowd" when it comes time for elections.
AverageOldGuy
(3,243 posts)I served 28 years in the Army, 1967-1995. Because of wounds from Vietnam, I could no longer serve in the combat arms, so, because of some language facility, I transferred to the Army's Military Intelligence branch where I had both operational and analytic assignments.
The only way we would have such info would be:
-- Intercepted communications that would have contained individual identifying info. I doubt any halfway intelligent drug cartel would be so stupid as to broadcast such info either on radio, landline, or cell phone.
-- A mole inside the organization. I doubt such a mole would have access to current info -- that is, the schedules and routes of smuggling boats, including the identity of crews.
No one has told us of any effort to retrieve wreckage or debris from these boats -- that's the only way to know for certain that the cargo was drugs. Which is why the Coast Guard is best suited to such operations -- intercept, board, search, arrest, seize cargo.
appleannie1
(5,398 posts)If they are carrying drugs, the legal procedure is to capture them and the drugs and then put them on trial and in prison.
maxsolomon
(38,043 posts)They're asserting that these are strikes on Terrorists.
appleannie1
(5,398 posts)IcyPeas
(24,710 posts)
Ray Bruns
(5,891 posts)
NickB79
(20,204 posts)The second strike would still be an illegal action and a war crime. It would be equivalent to US soldiers executing enemy soldiers while they were lying on the ground injured.
Aussie105
(7,496 posts)I wonder if Canada or Cuba have a 'bad guy' hit list of Americans they don't like for actual or made-up reasons, and are planning a strike?
Or China, Russia or NATO countries did this sort of thing?
They might want to book some time on those Jewish Space Lazers! MTG can arrange it, she seems to know a lot about them.
Yeah, not funny, and sarcasm isn't the right tool to show how wrong these extra judicial executions in international waters by the American military without proof, is.
Lesson from 911 Trade Center (September 11, 2001) forgotten too soon?
Strike at real or imagined enemies, and they may strike back.
bluestarone
(20,982 posts)Got down on your knees to TSF and said FU America. 