NEW: Alleged Drug Boat U.S. Bombed Twice Reportedly Wasn't Even Heading to the States

"Admiral Frank Bradley, who oversaw the controversial double-tap bombing, told lawmakers on Thursday that the boat was set to meet and transfer drugs to a larger vessel, which the military was unable to locate. This second vessel was heading for the South American country of Suriname, two sources with direct knowledge of Bradley's remarks told CNN. The admiral maintained that the strike was nevertheless justified, as the drugs allegedly onboard could still have made their way into the United States."

"The airstrikes sparked controversy this week after a Washington Post report alleged that a double-tap on survivors was initiated in order to comply with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's directive to the SEAL team in charge of the operation to kill every individual on board. A bipartisan group of lawmakers was briefed on the details of the strike by Bradley after widespread outrage over the kill order allegations."

"The briefing included a video of the strike, which House Intelligence Committee Ranking Member Jim Himes (D-CT) told reporters was one of the most troubling things I've seen in my time in public service. Admiral Bradley denied that Hegseth gave the order, as have administration officials and Hegseth himself. The Secretary of Defense blamed the fog of war for the second strike during a cabinet meeting on Tuesday."

Admiral Frank Bradley said the intercepted boat planned to rendezvous with a larger vessel to transfer drugs, and that the second vessel was reportedly bound for Suriname, though the military could not locate it. Bradley defended the airstrike as justified because the drugs could still reach the United States. The initial public claim that the boat was heading to the United States was contradicted by these details and by other officials who suggested different destinations. A Washington Post report alleging a double-tap aimed at survivors to carry out a kill order generated bipartisan outrage. Lawmakers were briefed and shown a strike video; Bradley and officials denied that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the kill directive.

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