U.S. Southern Command Lethal Kinetic Strike on Vessel Operated by Designated Terrorist Organization in Eastern Pacific
The U.S. Department of State upholds a Level 4 travel advisory for Venezuela, citing factors such as wrongful detention, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary legal enforcement, crime, civil unrest, etc.
EASTERN PACIFIC — Joint Task Force Southern Spear executed a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel in international waters on December 4. Official assessments from U.S. Southern Command indicate the vessel was under the control of a designated terrorist organization and involved in the transport of illicit narcotics along established trafficking routes.
Trump Declares Venezuelan Airspace Closed Amid Venezuelan Rejection and Iranian Warnings of Potential Consequences
SOUTH AMERICA — U.S. President Donald J. Trump announced on November 29 that all airspace over and around Venezuela should be considered closed in its entirety, directing airlines, pilots, drug dealers, and human traffickers to adhere to this directive.
Four males on board were killed in the operation, which received authorization from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. This incident forms part of Operation Southern Spear, encompassing 21 strikes from September onward, resulting in the deaths of 82 individuals.
The U.S. Department of State upholds a Level 4 travel advisory for Venezuela, citing factors such as wrongful detention, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary legal enforcement, crime, civil unrest, and inadequate health infrastructure.
Notes: I’ve been carefully going through and overhauling the analysis code in order to enhance how robust it is. I was using this report to prototype the algorithm so it’s a little late, my apologies.
Advisory levels reflect regional conditions, and individuals are advised to review the complete advisory for specifics. The advisory status held as of December 3:
The December 4 operation focused on a vessel managed by a designated terrorist organization. U.S. military resources deployed precision weaponry for the execution. Efforts for search and rescue commenced to address possible survivors. Mexican authorities took over subsequent handling of the matter.
Official evaluations confirm that operations align with U.S. and international legal standards. Pre-operation legal reviews were conducted, with approval coming through the established chain of command.
Secretary Hegseth traveled to Puerto Rico to interact with National Guard members and naval personnel engaged in associated activities. The operations address designated terrorist organizations operating in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific areas.
The strike on September 2 received orders from Navy Admiral Frank “Mitch” Bradley. Hegseth expressed public backing for Bradley in this context.
Calls have emerged for greater transparency regarding the legal foundation of the strike, with efforts to include requests to declassify the Department of Justice legal memorandum on lethal strikes from September 5.
Congressional committees plan inquiries into the actions. The administration, however, asserts adherence to applicable laws.
Confirmed Strikes, Analysis:
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