In a dramatic turn of events, a top US military commander presented a classified video of a controversial military strike to stunned American lawmakers, significantly escalating a congressional investigation. The briefing, held at the Capitol Hill, has thrown the spotlight back on a sensitive operation near Venezuela and the actions of Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The Classified Briefing That Left Lawmakers Stunned
U.S. Navy Admiral Frank 'Mitch' Bradley, the commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, conducted a classified briefing for senior Congressional lawmakers who oversee national security matters. The briefing, held on December 5, 2025, reportedly included a video presentation of the military strike in question. Admiral Bradley is the same officer who is said to have issued the orders to fire upon survivors of an initial attack on a vessel suspected of drug trafficking.
Eyewitness Account from the Video
Speaking to reporters after the briefing, U.S. Senator Tom Cotton provided a chilling detail of what he witnessed in the footage. He stated that the video showed two survivors from the first strike attempting to flip over their boat, which was loaded with drugs. This firsthand account from a sitting senator adds a powerful new dimension to the unfolding narrative and the ongoing investigation into the conduct of the operation.
A Crucial Moment in the Congressional Investigation
This revelation comes at a potentially pivotal juncture in the congressional probe examining how Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth managed the military operation. The incident took place in international waters near Venezuela, a region fraught with geopolitical tension. The decision to show the raw video footage to lawmakers suggests the military is seeking to directly present its version of events as scrutiny intensifies. The investigation aims to determine the chain of command, rules of engagement, and the overall handling of the sensitive mission.
The classified briefing has undoubtedly injected new evidence and firsthand testimonies into the political discourse surrounding the operation. As lawmakers digest what they saw, the pressure on the Defence Department to provide clear answers is expected to mount, making this a developing story with significant implications for US military policy and congressional oversight.