<![CDATA[Defcon Alerts Threat Monitor: Latin America]]>https://www.defconalerts.com/s/latamhttps://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!0cet!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb46ea7f8-d128-4157-808c-3336340f44ed_250x250.pngDefcon Alerts Threat Monitor: Latin Americahttps://www.defconalerts.com/s/latamSubstackThu, 09 Apr 2026 08:01:37 GMT<![CDATA[SOUTHCOM: U.S. Forces Strike Narco-Trafficking Vessel in Eastern Pacific, Killing Six, as Southern Spear Campaign Expands]]>https://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-forces-strike-narco-traffickinghttps://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-forces-strike-narco-traffickingMon, 09 Mar 2026 08:47:06 GMTWESTERN HEMISPHERE — U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel in the Eastern Pacific on March 8, killing six people the military described as “narco-terrorists.”

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The strike, ordered by SOUTHCOM Commander Marine General Francis L. Donovan, was carried out by Joint Task Force Southern Spear (JTF-SS) against what SOUTHCOM stated was a vessel “operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations” transiting known narco-trafficking routes.

The March 8 strike brings the confirmed death toll from Operation Southern Spear to at least 156 to 157 people across approximately 46 vessels since the campaign began in September 2025.

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No U.S. military forces were harmed in the action. SOUTHCOM released unclassified infrared video of the strike showing a small vessel on open water.

The strike comes two days after the campaign’s first expansion to land-based targets, when U.S. and Ecuadorian forces conducted a joint airstrike on March 6 against a suspected narco-trafficking supply complex inside Ecuador.

It also follows a week of significant diplomatic developments, including President Donald Trump’s formal recognition of Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodriguez’s government on March 7 and the announcement of a $165 million gold and minerals deal at the Shield of the Americas Summit in Miami.

The March 8 Strike

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]]><![CDATA[U.S. Southern Command Directs Lethal Kinetic Strikes on Vessels Linked to Designated Terrorist Organizations in Caribbean and Eastern Pacific]]>https://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-southern-command-directs-lethalhttps://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-southern-command-directs-lethalMon, 23 Feb 2026 20:06:14 GMTCARIBBEAN — U.S. Southern Command directed a lethal kinetic strike on February 23 against a vessel operated by designated terrorist organizations transiting known narco-trafficking routes.

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On February 23, SOUTHCOM directed a lethal kinetic strike in the Caribbean, while a separate strike on February 20 targeted a vessel in the Eastern Pacific.

According to SOUTHCOM, intelligence confirmed that the vessel targeted in the most recent strike involved active engagement in narco-trafficking.

Joint Task Force Southern Spear executed the action at the direction of the commander. Three males were killed. No U.S. military forces sustained injuries.

The strike follows an identical operation on February 20 in the Eastern Pacific, where the same task force neutralized another vessel under matching conditions.

These actions occur within a series of interdictions conducted by the command in recent weeks.

February 23 Caribbean Strike

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]]><![CDATA[U.S. Conducts Three Lethal Kinetic Strikes on Narco-Trafficking Vessels in Eastern Pacific and Caribbean]]>https://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-conducts-three-lethal-kinetichttps://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-conducts-three-lethal-kineticTue, 17 Feb 2026 19:46:28 GMTEASTERN PACIFIC AND CARIBBEAN — Late on February 16, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted three lethal kinetic strikes on three vessels operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations at the direction of U.S. Southern Command commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan.

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SOUTHCOM Intelligence confirmed the vessels were transiting known narco-trafficking routes and actively engaged in narco-trafficking operations. Eleven male individuals designated as narco-terrorists were killed during the actions: four on the first vessel in the Eastern Pacific, four on the second vessel in the Eastern Pacific, and three on the third vessel in the Caribbean. No U.S. military forces sustained harm.

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The strikes represent the latest in a series of similar operations conducted by Joint Task Force Southern Spear in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility. Official reporting indicates consistent targeting of vessels assessed to be involved in illicit narcotics trafficking along established maritime routes in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean.

Operational Details, Analysis:

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]]><![CDATA[SOUTHCOM: Lethal Kinetic Strike on Narco-Trafficking Vessel in Caribbean, Killing Three]]>https://www.defconalerts.com/p/southcom-lethal-kinetic-strike-onhttps://www.defconalerts.com/p/southcom-lethal-kinetic-strike-onSat, 14 Feb 2026 08:32:40 GMTCARIBBEAN — On February 13, Joint Task Force Southern Spear, directed by U.S. Southern Command commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, carried out a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations.

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Intelligence assessments by U.S. Southern Command established that the vessel navigated known narco-trafficking routes in the Caribbean and participated in associated operations. The engagement led to the deaths of three individuals identified in official accounts.

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]]><![CDATA[US Marine Declared Deceased After Overboard Incident Aboard USS Iwo Jima During Caribbean Operations]]>https://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-marine-declared-deceased-afterhttps://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-marine-declared-deceased-afterThu, 12 Feb 2026 20:36:44 GMTCARIBBEAN SEA — Lance Cpl. Chukwuemeka E. Oforah, a 21-year-old infantry rifleman from Florida, was declared deceased on February 10 following an extensive 72-hour search and rescue operation after he fell overboard from the USS Iwo Jima on the evening of February 7.

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The incident occurred while the vessel was conducting routine operations in the Caribbean Sea as part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit deployment.

The search involved multiple U.S. Navy ships, helicopters from the Navy and Marine Corps, Air Force aircraft, and national technical means, covering a wide area without success. Officials expressed profound grief over the loss, highlighting Oforah’s dedicated service. The circumstances remain under investigation by military authorities.

Operational Context and Deployment Details

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]]><![CDATA[Caribbean - USS Truxtun and USNS Supply Collide During Replenishment Operation]]>https://www.defconalerts.com/p/caribbean-uss-truxtun-and-usns-supplyhttps://www.defconalerts.com/p/caribbean-uss-truxtun-and-usns-supplyThu, 12 Feb 2026 17:01:53 GMTCARIBBEAN - The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun (DDG-103) and the Supply-class fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE-6) collided during a replenishment-at-sea operation.

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Two personnel sustained minor injuries and one has been reported to be in stable condition. Both vessels continue to sail safely while an investigation proceeds.

USS Truxtun deployed from Naval Station Norfolk in early February to support operations in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility.

This region encompasses maritime security and counter-narcotics efforts. USNS Supply provides essential logistics support to enable such deployments.

Replenishment-at-sea allows naval forces to maintain extended presence without returning to port. Incidents like this highlight the complexities of these maneuvers in open waters.

Incident Details

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]]><![CDATA[US-Colombia Joint Operation Intercepts Narco-Submarine with 10 Tons of Cocaine in Pacific Waters]]>https://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-colombia-joint-operation-interceptshttps://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-colombia-joint-operation-interceptsTue, 10 Feb 2026 04:52:31 GMTPACIFIC OCEAN — Colombian security forces, supported by the United States Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, executed a joint maritime interdiction on February 9.

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The operation targeted a semi-submersible vessel carrying 10 tons of cocaine valued at $441 million. Authorities destroyed the narcotics and arrested four crew members involved in the trafficking attempt.

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]]><![CDATA[U.S. Southern Command Conducts Lethal Kinetic Strike on Narco-Trafficking Vessel in Eastern Pacific]]>https://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-southern-command-conducts-lethal-983https://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-southern-command-conducts-lethal-983Tue, 10 Feb 2026 04:07:12 GMTEASTERN PACIFIC — U.S. Southern Command authorized Joint Task Force Southern Spear to execute a lethal kinetic strike on February 9, targeting a vessel operated by designated terrorist organizations involved in narco-trafficking, resulting in two fatalities and one survivor who triggered a U.S. Coast Guard search and rescue response.

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Intelligence verified the vessel navigated established smuggling paths in international waters. This incident follows previous operations, including strikes on February 5, January 23, and several in December, within heightened counter-narcotics campaigns.

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]]><![CDATA[U.S. Southern Command: Joint Task Force Southern Spear Conducts Lethal Kinetic Strike On Vessel]]>https://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-southern-command-joint-task-forcehttps://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-southern-command-joint-task-forceFri, 06 Feb 2026 03:21:16 GMTU.S. Southern Command: "On Feb. 5, at the direction of SOUTHCOM Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations.

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“Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. Two narco-terrorists were killed during this action. No U.S. military forces were harmed."

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]]><![CDATA[U.S. Southern Command Executes Lethal Kinetic Strike on Narco-Trafficking Vessel in Eastern Pacific, Resulting in Two Fatalities]]>https://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-southern-command-executes-lethalhttps://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-southern-command-executes-lethalSat, 24 Jan 2026 00:44:53 GMTEASTERN PACIFIC — Joint Task Force Southern Spear carried out a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel associated with designated terrorist organizations on January 23, under directives from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.

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Intelligence evaluations established the vessel’s path along recognized narco-trafficking lanes and its participation in such activities.

The strike caused two deaths among individuals designated as narco-terrorists, with one survivor leading to activation of search and rescue measures. This operation integrates into broader efforts under Operation Southern Spear to counter illicit maritime endeavors in the area.

Strike Overview

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]]><![CDATA[U.S. Forces Seize Motor Vessel Sagitta in Caribbean Interdiction Operation]]>https://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-forces-seize-motor-vessel-sagittahttps://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-forces-seize-motor-vessel-sagittaTue, 20 Jan 2026 23:03:29 GMTWASHINGTON — On Tuesday morning, U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) stated that U.S. military forces supporting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) apprehended the Motor Vessel Sagitta without incident in the Caribbean, framing the action as part of Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR.

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The release says the operation targeted illicit activity in the Western Hemisphere and was conducted in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) through DHS and the Department of Justice (DOJ), and it asserts that a quarantine on sanctioned vessels is intended to ensure Venezuelan oil exports are coordinated and lawful.

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Operation Summary and Enforcement Action

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]]><![CDATA[US Tactical Team Boards, Seizes Motor Tanker Veronica In The Caribbean]]>https://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-tactical-team-boards-seizes-motorhttps://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-tactical-team-boards-seizes-motorThu, 15 Jan 2026 18:10:13 GMTU.S. COAST GUARD: “This morning, a [United States Coast Guard] tactical team boarded and seized Motor Tanker Veronica, a sanctioned oil tanker, in the Caribbean Sea.”

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U.S. Coast Guard: “Elite capabilities. Unmatched authorities. Unified resolve. This morning, a [United States Coast Guard] tactical team boarded and seized Motor Tanker Veronica, a sanctioned oil tanker, in the Caribbean Sea. Our unique maritime law enforcement authorities – and thorough inter-agency coordination with the Departments of War, Justice, and State – ensured a safe, seamless operation in accordance with U.S. and international law. Alongside U.S. Sailors and Marines, our maritime fighting force is bringing every capability at our disposal to interdict ghost fleet tankers and uphold international law. With unwavering resolve, the Coast Guard continues operations to control, secure, and defend our U.S. borders and maritime approaches. We stand Always Ready to defend the American people from threats on the high seas.”

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]]><![CDATA[US Coast Guard Executes Boarding And Seizure Of Motor Tanker Olina East Of Caribbean]]>https://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-coast-guard-executes-boardinghttps://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-coast-guard-executes-boardingFri, 09 Jan 2026 14:58:42 GMTCARIBBEAN — The U.S. Coast Guard has carried out a boarding operation against illicit maritime activity, seizing the Motor Tanker Olina in international waters east of the Caribbean.

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The vessel, part of Venezuela’s “ghost fleet” suspected of transporting embargoed oil, was intercepted early this morning in a coordinated effort involving the Department of War, the State Department, and the Justice Department.

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]]><![CDATA[Trump Cancels Second Wave of Attacks on Venezuela Amid Prisoner Releases and Oil Cooperation]]>https://www.defconalerts.com/p/trump-cancels-second-wave-of-attackshttps://www.defconalerts.com/p/trump-cancels-second-wave-of-attacksFri, 09 Jan 2026 12:15:56 GMTSOUTH AMERICA — On January 9, Trump announced the cancellation of a planned second wave of attacks on Venezuela, citing the release of political prisoners as a sign of seeking peace.

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This decision follows improved relations between the United States and Venezuela, focused on rebuilding oil and gas infrastructure. Naval vessels will remain positioned for security purposes.

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]]><![CDATA[U.S. Coast Guard Seizure of Sanctioned Tankers Bella 1 and Sophia in the North Atlantic and Caribbean, Russia's Response ]]>https://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-coast-guard-seizure-of-sanctionedhttps://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-coast-guard-seizure-of-sanctionedThu, 08 Jan 2026 12:27:42 GMTCARIBBEAN SEA AND NORTH ATLANTIC — U.S. Coast Guard tactical teams boarded two sanctioned oil tankers, the M/V Bella 1 and M/T Sophia, during coordinated predawn operations on January 7, targeting vessels involved in violations of U.S. sanctions related to Venezuelan oil trade.

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The Bella 1, pursued for weeks across the North Atlantic, had attempted evasion by changing its flag, painting a new name on the hull, and re-flagging to Russia, while the Sophia was intercepted in international waters near the Caribbean.

These actions, executed by Department of Homeland Security components with support from the Department of War, Department of Justice, and Department of State, demonstrate a whole-of-government approach to interdicting stateless vessels engaged in illicit activities that threaten Western Hemisphere security and stability.

The operations resulted in the seizure of both tankers without incident, underscoring U.S. commitment to enforcing sanctions against entities supporting Venezuelan and potentially Iranian oil networks.

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US Attorney General Pam Bondi noted that the United States is pursuing criminal charges for the ship’s crew members that carried out “frantic efforts to avoid apprehension”. According to Bondi, the vessel was transporting sanctioned oil from Venezuela to Iran when it was intercepted.

“As a consequence of failing to obey the Coast Guard’s orders, members of this vessel are under full investigation and criminal charges will be pursued against all culpable actors,” Bondi said in her statement.

She added, “The Department of Justice is monitoring several other vessels for similar enforcement action - anyone on any vessel who fails to obey instructions of the Coast Guard or other federal officials will be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Subsequent assessments indicate the Bella 1’s recent Russian affiliation, prompting diplomatic tensions with Moscow. The Russian Foreign Ministry released a statement saying that they are closely following reports about the boarding, and is demanding that the United States treat the crew humanely, and not block their return to Russia.

Operational Details, Russia’s Response:

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]]><![CDATA[U.S. Interdicts Stateless, Sanctioned Dark Fleet Motor Tanker M/T Sophia]]>https://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-interdicts-stateless-sanctionedhttps://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-interdicts-stateless-sanctionedWed, 07 Jan 2026 15:37:11 GMTUS SOUTHERN COMMAND — In a coordinated pre-dawn operation, the Department of War and the Department of Homeland Security successfully intercepted the stateless motor tanker M/T Sophia, a sanctioned vessel linked to dark fleet activities in the Caribbean Sea.

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The interdiction was carried out without incident in international waters, and the U.S. Coast Guard is now escorting the ship to the United States for final disposition.

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]]><![CDATA[Venezuelan Air Defenses Target Unauthorized Drones Over Caracas, US Denies Involvement]]>https://www.defconalerts.com/p/venezuelan-air-defenses-target-unauthorizedhttps://www.defconalerts.com/p/venezuelan-air-defenses-target-unauthorizedTue, 06 Jan 2026 05:42:51 GMTVENEZUELA — Security personnel opened fire after unauthorized drones were spotted flying over the airspace of the Venezuelan capital of Caracas. The United States has denied involvement in the incident, which was corroborated by a statement from the Venezuelan government on the matter.

Image credit: Prensa Presidencial - Government of Venezuela, via Wiki…

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]]><![CDATA[U.S. Captures Maduro and Wife in Venezuela Operation: Maduro Pleads Not Guilty]]>https://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-captures-maduro-and-wife-in-venezuelahttps://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-captures-maduro-and-wife-in-venezuelaMon, 05 Jan 2026 20:20:38 GMTCARACAS — On January 3, U.S. forces conducted a large-scale strike in Venezuela, apprehending President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores in coordination with law enforcement.

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The White House described the action as targeting Maduro, who faces narco-terrorism charges. Maduro pleaded not guilty during his arraignment.

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]]><![CDATA[Breaking: Explosions Reported Across Caracas]]>https://www.defconalerts.com/p/breaking-explosions-reported-acrosshttps://www.defconalerts.com/p/breaking-explosions-reported-acrossSat, 03 Jan 2026 06:51:15 GMTAir raid sirens and explosions are being reported across Caracas, Venezuela, with widespread power outages affecting parts of the capital. Venezuelan media also confirm explosions on Margarita Island.

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Unverified reports suggest possible airstrikes, alongside sightings of AH-64 Apache attack helicopters and CH-47 transport helicopters flying low over Caracas, which is now reported to be completely without electricity.

These developments come shortly after President Nicolás Maduro signaled his willingness to engage in serious negotiations with the United States.

The situation remains fluid, and we are closely monitoring for updates.

The Trump Administration has indicated that it is aware of reports of explosions and aircraft activity over Venezuela’s capital. Update from U.S. President Donald Trump:

U.S. Closes Venezuelan Airspace To American Aircraft, Venezuela Responds

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]]><![CDATA[U.S. Southern Command Conducts Lethal Strikes on Vessels Designated as Involved in Narco-Trafficking]]>https://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-southern-command-conducts-lethalhttps://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-southern-command-conducts-lethalThu, 01 Jan 2026 10:22:54 GMTEASTERN PACIFIC — U.S. Southern Command reported that its forces conducted multiple lethal kinetic strikes on vessels in international waters, which the command identified as operated by designated terrorist organizations.

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According to U.S. Southern Command releases, these actions resulted in 32 deaths among individuals the command designated as narco-terrorists.

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The command indicated that the strikes targeted routes known for trafficking and aimed to disrupt such operations and reported no harm to its personnel, with engagements utilizing air and naval assets.

Meanwhile, Venezuela’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a warning regarding escalation by the United States, and addressed perceived sovereignty concerns.

“The President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro Moros, held a telephone conversation today with the Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres, to warn about the escalation of threats against Venezuela and their serious implications for regional peace.” - Venezuelan Ministry of Foreign Affairs

U.S. Southern Command announced that Joint Task Force Southern Spear, directed by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, initiated the campaign following cartel designations as terrorist organizations.

The command described the operation as a transition from interdiction efforts to direct engagements, classifying involved individuals as unlawful combatants. U.S. Southern Command detailed deployments including carrier strike groups and unmanned systems, with support from international partners.

Executive Designation and Operational Framework

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on January 20, 2025, designating the Sinaloa Cartel, Jalisco New Generation Cartel, MS-13, and Venezuela’s Cartel de los Soles as foreign terrorist organizations.

According to the White House, this enabled kinetic military actions against entities involved in narcotics production and transit. The Department of War announced Operation Southern Spear to counter threats in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific regions.

The Department of War stated that the legal basis derives from authorities for non-international armed conflicts, permitting strikes without prior congressional approval. The designations cite the fentanyl influx as a national security concern. Some assessments note potential expansions of executive authority and implications for international norms.

U.S. Southern Command reported that intelligence confirmed vessel involvement in trafficking, restricting strikes to international waters. The command emphasized precision to minimize collateral effects.

Sequence of Engagements

U.S. Southern Command reported that strikes began on December 4, 2025, targeting one vessel with four deaths among designated individuals.

On December 15, 2025, the command stated three vessels were engaged, resulting in eight fatalities. December 17, 2025, involved one vessel, with four deaths according to the command.

On December 18, 2025, U.S. Southern Command indicated two vessels were struck, causing five deaths. A low-profile vessel was targeted on December 22, 2025, with one fatality. December 29, 2025, engaged one vessel, resulting in two deaths.

December 30, 2025, targeted a three-vessel convoy, with three deaths in the initial strike; the command reported remaining vessels sunk after crew abandonment. December 31, 2025, involved two vessels, with five deaths.

U.S. Southern Command stated all engagements occurred along confirmed Eastern Pacific routes, with no U.S. casualties.

Lethal Kinetic Strikes, Dec. 31, 2025

Lethal Kinetic Strikes, Dec. 30, 2025

Lethal Kinetic Strike, Dec. 29, 2025

Lethal Kinetic Strike, Dec. 22, 2025

Lethal Kinetic Strikes, Dec. 18, 2025

Lethal Kinetic Strike, Dec. 17, 2025

Lethal Kinetic Strikes, Dec. 15, 2025

Lethal Kinetic Strike, Dec. 4, 2025

Casualty and Disruption Assessment

U.S. Southern Command releases aggregate to 32 deaths among male individuals designated as narco-terrorists across eight strikes.

The command reported no civilian casualties. Vessels were destroyed or disabled, which the command indicated interrupted transit operations. It said that intelligence verified narcotics transfers in the December 30, 2025, convoy prior to engagement.

The command reported crew abandonment prompted notification to the Coast Guard for search and rescue, with outcomes unreported.

The Department of War assessments indicate operations disrupted cartel logistics, potentially reducing drug inflows.

Regional Government Reactions

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