The United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) has confirmed a deadly strike on a boat suspected of drug trafficking in the Eastern Pacific's international waters. This action was part of the military initiative known as "Operation Southern Spear."
According to a statement shared on social media platform X, the operation was conducted on December 29 under the directive of U.S. Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth. The Joint Task Force Southern Spear executed a lethal kinetic attack on the vessel.
U.S. authorities assert that intelligence reports confirmed the boat was navigating well-known drug trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific. It was allegedly operated by organizations identified as terrorist entities engaged in drug trafficking activities.
The strike resulted in the deaths of two male crew members, whom SOUTHCOM described as "narcoterrorists."
A video of the attack was also released in the social media post, underscoring the United States' resolve to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking networks operating in international waters. Washington views these networks as a direct threat to regional security.
This operation is supported by the Department of Defense and the United States Strategic Command (US STRATCOM), highlighting heightened military pressure on transnational criminal organizations that merge drug trafficking with armed structures.
"Operation Southern Spear" is part of a broader U.S. strategy to combat drug trafficking across the Western Hemisphere, focusing particularly on maritime corridors in the Pacific and the Caribbean.
FAQs on U.S. Military Operations Against Drug Trafficking
What is Operation Southern Spear?
Operation Southern Spear is a U.S. military initiative designed to combat drug trafficking in the Eastern Pacific, targeting vessels linked to transnational criminal organizations.
Why is the U.S. targeting drug trafficking networks in international waters?
The U.S. targets drug trafficking networks in international waters because these operations pose a direct threat to regional security, facilitating illegal activities across borders.