US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said he did "not see survivors" before a controversial second strike on an alleged drug vessel.
The strike hit an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean and reportedly left two survivors clinging to the burning vessel before a second strike was allegedly ordered that left them dead.
The 2 September strike has prompted concerns that US forces may have violated laws governing armed conflict.
During a cabinet meeting at the White House, Hegseth attributed the strike to the "fog of war" in a chaotic situation. The White House has said that a top US Navy admiral, Frank Bradley, authorised the strike.
The Washington Post first reported details about the second strike, which has led to concern from both Democrat and Republican lawmakers.
