The United States military has intensified its campaign against maritime drug trafficking, announcing the destruction of five vessels and the deaths of eight individuals in the eastern Pacific Ocean over a two-day period.
Kinetic Strikes Against Designated Terror Groups
According to a statement from US Southern Command, the operations took place on Monday, December 29, and Wednesday, December 31, 2025. The actions, described as "kinetic strikes," were carried out by Joint Task Force Southern Spear under the direction of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. The targeted vessels were operated by organizations officially designated as terrorist entities by the US government.
The command detailed that the initial engagement on Monday resulted in three fatalities aboard the first vessel. Following this, the individuals on the two other vessels targeted that day abandoned ship, jumping overboard before subsequent strikes sank the empty boats.
Rising Toll in Expanded Anti-Drug Operations
In a separate press release covering Wednesday's actions, the military confirmed five more deaths. Three individuals were killed on the first vessel engaged that day, and two on the second vessel. The Pentagon's latest report reveals a significant escalation in such operations. Since the beginning of September 2025, US forces have sunk 35 alleged drug smuggling vessels in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean. This aggressive posture has resulted in the deaths of at least 115 people aboard those boats.
Regional Tensions and Geopolitical Backdrop
For several months, the United States has maintained a substantial naval and aerial presence in the Caribbean region. A significant portion of this force has been deployed off the coast of Venezuela, which the US states is part of a mission to combat narcotics trafficking. However, this justification has been met with strong opposition from the Venezuelan government.
Authorities in Caracas have denounced the US military buildup as a pretext, accusing Washington of using the anti-drug campaign as a thinly veiled attempt to exert pressure and instigate political change within Venezuela. This ongoing dispute adds a layer of geopolitical tension to the military operations in international waters.
The recent strikes underscore the Biden administration's continued hardline approach to intercepting narcotics before they reach North American shores, even as the tactics and their human cost draw scrutiny and spark diplomatic friction.
