The information, which is also confirmed by sources including CNN , raises new questions about the legality of US operations in the Caribbean Sea.
The attack in question was the first in a series this fall against boats that the US government claims are transporting drugs to the United States.
Two survivors
Before the attack, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth had given a verbal order that everyone on board would be killed, two sources with insight into The Washington Post reported.
When the smoke cleared after the first hits, a live drone broadcast showed two survivors clinging to the wreckage. The commander in charge then ordered more missiles to be fired – to carry out Hegseth’s orders, according to the reports.
All eleven on board were killed and the boat was sunk. Since then, the US has attacked at least 22 boats in the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing over 80 people.
Has been criticized
The operations have been criticized by lawyers and former military personnel for potentially violating international law and effectively constituting war crimes. President Donald Trump's administration has defended itself by saying it is in an armed conflict with terrorist organizations.
A 29-second video released of the September 2 incident does not show the second missile strike. The Pentagon has told congressional politicians that the purpose of the follow-up strike was to sink the wreckage, which would otherwise pose a hazard to shipping.
Hegseth writes on X that the “deadly” attacks are taking place in accordance with “both American and international law.”
"Every smuggler we kill is part of a designated terrorist organization."
