Overview
- Adm. Frank Bradley and Gen. Dan Caine showed classified footage to leaders of the House and Senate armed services and intelligence panels and said there was no directive to leave no survivors.
- Reactions split sharply: Democrats Jack Reed and Jim Himes called the footage deeply troubling, while Republicans Tom Cotton and Rick Crawford said the Sept. 2 strikes were lawful and necessary.
- Several lawmakers said the video depicts two surviving occupants after the initial hit, with differing interpretations over whether they were incapacitated or attempting to continue the mission.
- Associated Press reporting relayed by Newsweek said U.S. officials knew survivors remained before the second strike, as Special Operations Command rejected the label of a “double‑tap.”
- The White House says Bradley acted within his authority after Pete Hegseth authorized the operation; President Trump signaled support for releasing full footage as oversight widens over more than 20 strikes that have killed over 80 people.