US Military Conducts Strikes on Suspected Drug-Trafficking Boats in Eastern Pacific

On December 15, the United States military carried out strikes against three vessels in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals. According to U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), the operation targeted boats operated by designated terrorist organizations engaged in narcotics trafficking along established routes.

SOUTHCOM stated that the strikes were conducted under the directive of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, emphasizing the mission's focus on disrupting transnational criminal networks. This action is part of Operation Southern Spear, a campaign initiated to curtail narcotics trafficking in the region.

Since the commencement of these operations in September, at least 95 individuals have been killed in similar strikes. The most recent prior incident occurred on December 4, when a suspected drug boat was targeted in the Eastern Pacific, resulting in four fatalities.

The Trump administration has informed Congress that the United States is engaged in an "armed conflict" against drug cartels, a stance that has sparked debate among lawmakers and legal experts. Some Democratic legislators have raised concerns about the legality of these strikes, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announcing an all-senators briefing to address the issue. Schumer emphasized the necessity for oversight, stating, "The American people deserve oversight. We intend to deliver it."

The administration maintains that those targeted are "unlawful combatants" and asserts the authority to conduct lethal strikes without judicial review, based on a classified Justice Department finding. These operations are part of a broader pressure campaign on Venezuela, which has included military deployments and sanctions aimed at disrupting the country's alleged involvement in drug trafficking.