A U.S. military strike near Venezuela killed survivors of a drug boat, prompting congressional scrutiny over legality and accountability.

Navy Adm. Frank M. Bradley is set to testify before top congressional leaders in a classified briefing about a September 2 military strike near Venezuela that killed survivors of an alleged drug boat, raising legal concerns over the second strike. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly directed the operation to “kill everybody,” and Bradley authorized the follow-up attack, citing ongoing threats. Lawmakers from both parties demand transparency, seeking video footage and written orders, while some legal experts question the legality of targeting non-combatants. Hegseth defends the actions under the “fog of war,” and a separate investigation found he used Signal to share sensitive strike details, though the Pentagon downplayed the risk. Bradley, a decorated Navy SEAL and newly confirmed head of U.S. Special Operations Command, remains under scrutiny as Congress investigates accountability and adherence to the laws of war.