Adm. Frank M. Bradley saw the two survivors of a strike on an alleged drug-smuggling boat as legitimate military targets based on the rules for the operation, which may have identified them as narco terrorists, a defense official told NBC News.

The military launched a second strike on the same boat on Sept. 2, generating controversy over whether the second strike was legal or could potentially constitute a war crime.

Stream Los Angeles News for free, 24/7, wherever you are. WATCH HERE

The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday night that Bradley, who at the time led the Joint Special Operations Command, concluded the survivors of the first strike were trying to continue a drug run, making them legitimate targets. NBC News has asked the Pentagon for comment on what Bradley plans to

See Full Page