Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the targeted elimination of 11 narco-terrorists on a Caribbean drug boat, revealing for the first time that all individuals were pre-approved military targets on an internal kill list.
Story Highlights
- All 11 individuals on the September 2nd drug boat were on a pre-approved military target list for narco-terrorists
- Admiral Bradley confirmed Hegseth’s direct orders to eliminate everyone on board and destroy the vessel
- Trump administration has conducted 22 strikes killing 86 people as part of an anti-cartel military campaign
- JAG officers provided legal counsel throughout the operation targeting cartel-affiliated cocaine smugglers
Military Target List Reveals Strategic Anti-Cartel Operations
Admiral Frank “Mitch” Bradley disclosed to lawmakers that U.S. intelligence officials had pre-identified and validated all 11 individuals aboard the September 2nd vessel as legitimate military targets.
The commander of U.S. Special Operations Command explained that these individuals were included on an internal list of narco-terrorists eligible for lethal targeting.
This revelation demonstrates the Trump administration’s methodical approach to dismantling cartel networks threatening American national security through coordinated intelligence and military operations.
EXCLUSIVE: Pete Hegseth ordered the U.S. military on Sept. 2 to kill all 11 people on a suspected drug-smuggling boat because they were on an internal list of military targets, the commander overseeing the operation told lawmakers, according to multiple sources.…
— NBC News (@NBCNews) December 7, 2025
Lawful Military Action Against Designated Terrorist Organizations
Bradley emphasized that he operated in full compliance with the law throughout the Caribbean operation, with uniformed Judge Advocate General officers providing guidance at every step. The targeted vessel was carrying cocaine and affiliated with a cartel designated by President Trump as a terrorist organization.
An administration official confirmed that the cumulative impact of these narcoterrorist shipments directly threatens Americans and national security interests, justifying the decisive military response against these criminal organizations.
Congressional Briefing Confirms Operational Details
During an eight-hour Capitol Hill briefing, Bradley provided lawmakers with a detailed timeline of the September 2nd operation alongside Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine.
The admiral explained that Hegseth’s orders specifically directed him to eliminate the approved targets, destroy the drugs, and sink the vessel.
Multiple strikes were required to complete the mission objectives, with Bradley confirming that subsequent strikes eliminated two survivors and ultimately destroyed the threat to American security.
Comprehensive Anti-Narcoterrorism Campaign Results
The Pentagon has documented 22 military strikes against alleged drug vessels, resulting in 86 eliminated targets across Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific operations.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Hegseth authorized these kinetic strikes within proper legal authority to eliminate threats against the United States.
This aggressive military campaign represents President Trump’s commitment to protecting American borders and citizens from the escalating violence and drug trafficking perpetrated by designated terrorist cartels operating throughout the region.
