U.S. forces executed a strike on Saturday against a narcotics vessel in the Eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of three suspected narco-terrorists. This operation, confirmed by the U.S. Southern Command, is part of a broader initiative aimed at disrupting criminal networks engaged in drug trafficking.
The targeted vessel was linked to a designated terrorist organization operating in international waters. This strike brings the total number of suspected narco-terrorists killed in the ongoing campaign to 82, with three individuals reported as survivors. The operation reflects ongoing efforts to combat transnational criminal networks and deter the flow of illegal drugs.
Details of the Operation
According to a post on X from U.S. Southern Command, intelligence indicated that the vessel was actively smuggling narcotics along a well-known trafficking route. The command described the action as a “lethal kinetic operation,” emphasizing its objective to impede the activities of these criminal organizations.
On November 13, 2025, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced the launch of Operation Southern Spear, which aims to target narco-terrorist networks primarily across Latin America. Hegseth stated, “This mission defends our Homeland, removes narco-terrorists from our Hemisphere, and secures our Homeland from the drugs that are killing our people.”
The operation is being coordinated by Joint Task Force Southern Spear under the leadership of U.S. Southern Command. It follows a series of strikes, with the most recent prior operation occurring just a week earlier, when four alleged narco-terrorists were killed in a similar engagement.
Impact and Background of the Campaign
Since the campaign’s inception in early September, U.S. forces have conducted numerous strikes across the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean, targeting vessels associated with organizations such as Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang and Colombia’s Ejército de Liberación Nacional (ELN). The campaign commenced on September 2 with a strike that resulted in the deaths of eleven alleged members of Tren de Aragua.
U.S. forces have employed a variety of methods, targeting submersibles, fishing boats, and high-speed vessels. Notably, one operation involving an ELN-affiliated vessel drew criticism from Colombian President Gustavo Petro after three men were killed during the engagement.
The Navy, under the auspices of the 4th Fleet and Southern Command, is leading Operation Southern Spear. The operation utilizes advanced technology, including “long-dwell robotic surface vessels, small robotic interceptor boats, and vertical takeoff and landing robotic air vessels,” as outlined in previous Navy statements.
This campaign represents a significant aspect of the United States’ strategy to dismantle narco-terrorist networks and reduce the influx of illegal drugs into the country. The ongoing series of operations illustrates the U.S. commitment to combating drug trafficking and enhancing national security.
In summary, the latest strike underscores the persistent efforts of U.S. forces to address narco-terrorism in the region, with implications for both domestic safety and international drug trafficking dynamics.
