U.S. Lawmakers Probe Pentagon Authorization For Second Strike Targeting Survivors

Republican senators have escalated scrutiny into the Pentagon’s authorization of a controversial second missile strike off Venezuela, which targeted individuals clinging to the wreckage after an initial attack allegedly left them defenseless and in custody of their own vessel.

A growing bipartisan inquiry was announced late last week following concerns raised by GOP lawmakers. Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker declared plans for “rigorous oversight,” signaling a formal probe into the incident. The focus remains on whether specific personnel were legally empowered to approve further action, especially after the first strike reportedly left survivors vulnerable.

Senators voiced significant alarm at what they described as violating long-established rules of engagement and potentially constituting war crimes against individuals already captured or disarmed off Venezuela’s coast. Sen. Mike Rounds, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, stressed immediate fact-gathering before any conclusions can be drawn.

“My understanding is that we may have a problem if you’re killing survivors in water after a strike,” stated Rounds Tuesday. “But I want to see the actual stuff within the [military] codes.”

Similarly, Sen. Jim Justice of West Virginia characterized the action as “unacceptable.” He added that even if such a decision was made, he finds it repugnant and simply believes it crosses unacceptable thresholds.

The probe ignited debate among lawmakers regarding Pentagon communications. Some senators queried Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s awareness on Sunday about the second strike following his public comments denying knowledge of the alleged targeting orders without being briefed beforehand.

Hegseth initially downplayed concerns but later publicly supported Navy Vice Adm. Frank “Mitch” Bradley, who reportedly ordered the operation against individuals already secured off Venezuela after a missile attack hit their boat late Sept 2. The administration official cited confusion stemming from “fog of war,” while maintaining full backing for Bradley’s operational decision.

However, some senators questioned whether the initial claim that the Secretary lacked knowledge was accurate given subsequent events and ongoing scrutiny over rules followed during this incident near Venezuela.