WASHINGTON —

The White House on Monday confirmed that U.S. forces conducted a second strike on an alleged drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean Sea and insisted the action was lawful. Bipartisan lawmakers have sought answers following The Washington Post’s report that the follow-up attack killed two survivors of the initial strike.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt did not dispute the report that said there were two survivors clinging to the wreckage after the first attack on Sept. 2, but offered broader justification for the strikes.

"Secretary Hegseth authorized Admiral Bradley to conduct these kinetic strikes. Admiral Bradley worked well within his authority and the law, directing the engagement to ensure the boat was destroyed and the threat to the United States of Ameri

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