Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized targeted strikes against known narco-terrorists, revealing that Trump’s bold military campaign is systematically eliminating cartel threats that have poisoned American communities for decades.
Story Highlights
- All 11 individuals on the September 2nd drug boat were confirmed narco-terrorists on the military target list
- Admiral Bradley briefed Congress that strikes eliminated cartel members affiliated with a designated terrorist organization
- Operation is part of Trump’s aggressive counter-narcotics campaign with 22 strikes killing 86 cartel operatives
- Military lawyers provided legal guidance throughout the operation to ensure compliance with law
Confirmed Targets on Military List
Admiral Frank “Mitch” Bradley revealed to lawmakers that U.S. intelligence officials had confirmed the identities of all 11 individuals aboard the September 2nd vessel and validated them as legitimate targets for lethal action.
The commander of U.S. Special Operations Command told Congress during eight hours of briefings that these individuals were on an approved target list of narco-terrorists eligible for elimination. This targeting list represents a systematic approach to identifying cartel operatives who pose direct threats to American national security.
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
Legal Authorization and Military Precision
Defense Secretary Hegseth’s authorization came after extensive legal review, with uniformed Judge Advocate General officers providing counsel throughout the operation.
An administration official confirmed Bradley acted in complete compliance with the law, noting the vessel was carrying cocaine and affiliated with a cartel designated as a terrorist organization by President Trump.
The strikes targeted individuals whose narcoterrorist activities directly threaten Americans and national security interests, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to protecting the homeland from drug-related violence.
Comprehensive Anti-Cartel Campaign
The September 2nd operation represents one mission in Trump’s broader military campaign against narco-terrorism, with the Pentagon conducting 22 strikes eliminating 86 cartel operatives across the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific.
This aggressive approach marks a dramatic shift from previous administrations’ failed strategies that allowed cartels to operate with impunity.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that Admiral Bradley worked within his authority to ensure threats to America were eliminated, highlighting the administration’s zero-tolerance approach to cartel violence.
Fog of War Realities
When two survivors remained after the initial strike, Bradley ordered additional strikes to complete the mission as directed by Hegseth. Defense Secretary Hegseth defended the tactical decision, explaining “this is called the fog of war” during a White House Cabinet meeting.
The operation required multiple strikes to fully destroy the vessel and eliminate the confirmed threats, demonstrating the military’s commitment to mission completion. This decisive action ensures cartel operatives cannot escape to continue their deadly trade that devastates American communities.
