The U.S. military has carried out a deadly strike against a suspected vessel in international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, the boat was allegedly involved in drug trafficking and was being operated by a designated terrorist organization. Four individuals were killed in the strike, whom the U.S. military described as “narco-terrorists.”
This action is being described as part of a large-scale U.S. military campaign “Operation Southern Spear”, aimed at dismantling rapidly expanding drug trafficking networks across the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean regions. The operation began in September 2025 and, so far, a total of 99 alleged traffickers have been killed in 26 military strikes.
Trump Administration’s Hardline Policy and War on ‘Narco-Terrorism’
The military action, conducted during President Donald Trump’s second term, has become a symbol of the administration’s “zero-tolerance policy against narco-terrorism.” The Trump government has repeatedly stated that several cartel organizations operating from Venezuela are responsible for cocaine and fentanyl trafficking into the United States, fueling a nationwide drug crisis.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth recently said,
“We will eliminate these enemies at sea. This is a fight for America’s health and security.”
Following this warning, a series of strikes has been carried out in quick succession.
Lethal Strike: ‘Drug Cartel-Linked’ Boat Was the Target
The U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) stated that on the evening of December 17, a high-speed vessel was detected in international waters of the Eastern Pacific—areas considered among the most active drug trafficking routes. Intelligence reports confirmed that the boat was linked to a Venezuela-based drug cartel, possibly connected to the “Tren de Aragua” network.
As soon as the vessel entered the U.S. surveillance perimeter, a “lethal kinetic strike” was executed using precise coordinates. Within moments, the boat was engulfed in flames following an explosion. However, the U.S. military has not yet disclosed the identities of those killed or details of any drugs seized.
SOUTHCOM posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter):
“U.S. forces conducted a precision strike today against a legitimate target. The action was carried out within the framework of international law and national security.”
Intensifying Military Pressure
Data from September to December 2025 indicate that the scale of Operation Southern Spear has expanded rapidly. U.S. defense analysts say it has become the largest maritime drug-interdiction campaign of the 21st century to date.
| Month | Strikes | Deaths | Target Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 2025 | 2 | 14 | Venezuelan Coast |
| October 2025 | 5 | 27 | Eastern Pacific |
| November 2025 | 10 | 82 | Caribbean and Pacific |
| December 2025 (up to 17) | 9 | 99 (Total) | Eastern Pacific, Venezuela-linked |
The figures clearly show the operation’s expanding scope. Currently, nearly 15,000 U.S. troops and naval personnel are deployed across the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean regions.
Venezuela Calls the Strike an “Act of Aggression”
On the other hand, the Venezuelan government has strongly condemned the U.S. military actions. Caracas labeled the strike a “violation of sovereignty and an act of aggression.” President Nicolás Maduro said the United States is “expanding military dominance in Latin America under the pretext of drug trafficking.”
Venezuela’s foreign ministry has indicated it will file a complaint at the United Nations, calling the action a threat to regional stability. State television channels also broadcast public protests against the U.S. strikes, accusing the Trump administration of adopting an “imperialist stance.”
Questions Raised in U.S. Congress, Opposition Demands Review
While the Trump administration continues to defend the operation as a national security necessity, opposition leaders in the U.S. Senate have raised concerns.
Senator Jack Reed, a senior member of the Armed Services Committee, said,
“Congress has not been fully briefed on the expansion of this operation and its consequences.”
He warned that if such strikes are being carried out in international waters without proper formal authorization, they could create “legal complications.”
In response, a White House spokesperson stated that
“This is not a war campaign, but a limited military action aimed solely at disrupting terrorist networks linked to drug trafficking.”
Operation Southern Spear
The operation is being conducted under the supervision of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), involving the Navy, Coast Guard, intelligence agencies, and special operations units working jointly.
According to SOUTHCOM chief Admiral Mark Wener, the mission is designed not only to intercept drug trafficking but also to “cut off the financial lifelines of terrorist organizations.”
Maritime zones in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean—long considered hotspots for cartel activity—are now under intense U.S. surveillance. Monitoring aircraft, drones, maritime radar systems, and satellite tracking are being used to track every vessel’s movement.
Expert Opinions
International analysts believe that Operation Southern Spear is no longer just a narco-war, but part of a broader U.S. geopolitical strategy.
Renowned defense analyst Michael Ford said:
“Under the guise of targeting drug cartels, the United States is strengthening its maritime presence in Latin America. This could be interpreted as an early signal of a new Cold War–style alignment.”
Experts also suggest that the operation could exert indirect pressure on strategic alignments involving China, Russia, and Venezuela.
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Utkarsh works as a Sub-Editor at 1Tak News. Technology and gadgets are his main beats, and he also tracks automobiles. A graduate of Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth, he began his journalism career in 2023 and has built experience across digital media platforms like 1Tak. Besides technology, he also has considerable experience covering national affairs, politics, research, and international news.
