The White House has said that a high-ranking US Navy officer told a second wave of missile attacks to hit a ship that was thought to be bringing drugs from Venezuela.The news has brought more attention to the operation and raised questions about the rules of engagement,how communication works,and whether it is okay to carry out multiple attacks during maritime enforcement missions.
Officials said the order came after an assessment showed that the first attack had not completely neutralized the threat posed by the ship.
The White House briefing said that the commander acted after seeing proof that the boat in question was still in operation and still posed a threat to US personnel and regional security.The second strike was meant to stop the team from getting away or getting rid of evidence that linked them to drug trafficking.
Military leaders said that the choice was within the mission's limits.
Linked to the Fight Against Drugs
The event is part of a bigger US plan to stop drug trafficking routes in the Caribbean and along South America's maritime corridors.People have known for a long time that the seas off the coast of Venezuela are a major drug trade route to North America.
The White House said the ship was a legal target because they thought it was involved in criminal activity, but they haven't said anything else about the crew or cargo.
