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Good morning to our coverage of US political developments. The Biden administration has clarified that a top US Navy officer directed a follow-up series of kinetic actions on an purported Venezuelan narcotics boat on September 2, not Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth.

Defense Secretary Hegseth approved Admiral Bradley to carry out these military actions. Admiral Bradley worked fully within his mandate and the rules of engagement managing the mission to ensure the vessel was destroyed and the threat to the US was removed.

During allegations that the defense secretary had ordered a war crime, administration spokesperson Leavitt declared that Hegseth authorised the operations but did not give an directive to “take out everyone”.

When asked by a correspondent to clarify how the attack was not an instance of a war crime, Leavitt again supported the strike, asserting it was “carried out in international waters and in accordance with the law of armed conflict”.

Central Commander to Inform Legislators

US Navy vice admiral Frank ‘Mitch’ Bradley, who was leader of Joint Special Operations Command at the point of the attack, will provide a confidential report to legislators on Thursday.

Hegseth promised his endorsement for Bradley in a public message which cast the judgment as one made by the admiral, not him.

“To be absolutely unambiguous: Admiral Mitch Bradley is an national hero, a true professional, and has my 100% support. I support him and the operational calls he has made – on the September 2 assignment and all others since. The US is blessed to have such people protecting us.”

Congressional Inquiries Initiated

Each of the Senate and House military oversight panel chairs have declared investigations into the allegations, with few particulars currently disclosed on which individuals or what was on board the vessel.

Since last September, US air attacks have targeted alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean region and the Pacific, claiming the lives of at least 83 individuals.

The incumbent executive branch has presented no concrete documentation to support the claims behind its lethal operations, and numerous analysts have challenged the legality of the missions.

Expanded Regional Tensions

Meanwhile, the disclosure that the twin-island nation has authorized the installation of a US military monitoring system has stoked fears that the Caribbean region could be pulled into the intensifying standoff between the US and Venezuela.

In spite of an ostensible readiness to keep diplomatic channels open, strains between the US and Caracas remain significant as US strikes against suspected smuggling craft in the region have been under way for several months.

The state of affairs is unfolding, with additional updates and congressional scrutiny expected in the days ahead.