U.S. Southern Command Conducts Lethal Strikes on Vessels Designated as Involved in Narco-Trafficking
Venezuela’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a warning regarding escalation by the United States, and addressed perceived sovereignty concerns.
EASTERN 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.
According to U.S. Southern Command releases, these actions resulted in 32 deaths among individuals the command designated as narco-terrorists.
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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