RedState Exclusive – December 5, 2025

WASHINGTON – Amidst increasing Democratic scrutiny following briefings from U.S. Special Operations Command leader Admiral Frank M. Bradley, well-known military defense attorney and former Navy lawyer under Trump, Tim Parlatore, has criticized politicians for distorting the legality of combat actions. In an exclusive conversation with RedState, Parlatore clarified the legal nuances fueling the debate:

“When you have a vessel loaded with cocaine and terrorists en route to harm Americans, it becomes a legitimate target,” Parlatore explained. “After action, a battle damage assessment is conducted. Both the boat and its cargo continue to be valid military objectives, under orders from SOUTHCOM to be sunk.” Parlatore described the resulting fatalities of drug traffickers from a subsequent strike as “collateral damage.” These remarks starkly contrast with statements from leading Democrats who, after reviewing classified drone footage, expressed significant concern. Representative Jim Himes (CT-4) remarked that the video was “one of the most troubling things I’ve witnessed during my public service.”

Representative Adam Smith (WA-9) painted a picture of U.S. forces targeting “two shirtless individuals clinging to a capsized and disabled boat,” attributing “ultimate responsibility” for a potential war crime to Admiral Bradley. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) echoed these sentiments, expressing his “deep disturbance” and calling for the immediate release of the unedited footage.

Despite such critiques, SOUTHCOM announced a successful lethal kinetic strike on December 4, confirming the destruction of a narcotics-laden vessel and the neutralization of four male narco-terrorists in international waters.

Democrats seem determined to scrutinize every facet of the operation, notwithstanding its evident success in disrupting drug cartel pathways. Admiral Bradley appeared in person on Capitol Hill to defend Operation Southern Spear, which has effectively intercepted or annihilated hundreds of tons of drugs since September. The ongoing left-wing criticisms rely heavily on a debunked Washington Post article claiming Secretary of War Pete Hegseth issued an illicit “kill them all” directive.

— U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) December 4, 2025

Democrats, however, appear poised to attack every aspect of the operation, regardless of its clear mission success in disrupting cartel routes. Adm. Bradley personally appeared on Capitol Hill to defend Operation Southern Spear, which has seized or destroyed hundreds of tons of narcotics since September. The left-wing attacks are built on a now-debunked Washington Post story alleging Secretary of War Pete Hegseth issued an illegal “kill them all” order.

READ MORE: WaPo’s Botched Hegseth Hit Job Proves the Pentagon Desperately Needs New Media

Admiral Bradley’s Testimony Delivers Devastating Blow to Dem Narrative of Drug Boat Story

The four-star commander and Bronze Star with Valor recipient now faces intensifying partisan scrutiny that military legal experts like Parlatore argue isn’t built on the law of armed conflict at sea.

When speaking with RedState, Parlatore drew a direct historical parallel to drive the point home, citing one of the most celebrated moments in U.S. Navy history: 

“Take the Battle of Midway. One of the Japanese carriers we blew up was burning, dead in the water, no longer able to fight or launch aircraft, and it was full of wounded Japanese sailors. You know what we did? We kept throwing torpedoes into it until it went to the bottom of the ocean. And that was lawful. The goal was to put the ship down so it couldn’t be towed back, repaired, and put back into the fight. The goal was not to kill all the wounded Japanese sailors on board.”

The example, Parlatore argued, shows that sinking a disabled enemy vessel, even one carrying wounded personnel, has been standard naval practice for generations and remains fully consistent with the law of armed conflict at sea.

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