The U.S. military struck a “low-profile” vessel in international waters on Monday as part of its campaign against drug trafficking in Latin America.
The vessel was reportedly traveling along Eastern Pacific narco-trafficking routes and was linked to a designated terrorist organization.
According to the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) one alleged narco-terrorist was killed in the operation. No U.S. forces were harmed.
On Dec. 22, at the direction of @SecWar Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a low-profile vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations in international waters. Intelligence confirmed the low-profile vessel was transiting… pic.twitter.com/LGzEaQSTiR
— U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) December 23, 2025
Since early September, at least 29 strikes on alleged drug vessels have killed 105 people, with the Trump administration asserting the operations help curb trafficking in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, whom he accused of collaborating with drug cartels.
He has repeatedly suggested land strikes on alleged drug traffickers in Venezuela and recently announced a “blockade” of all sanctioned oil vessels entering or leaving Venezuela, targeting a crucial sector of the South American nation’s economy.
U.S. authorities have seized two oil tankers that docked in Venezuela this month and were pursuing a third tanker near the country as of Monday.
I wonder how many drug boats get through, if any? You’d think it would be getting difficult to find boat drivers by now! It would also be interesting to understand how the (hopefully) scarcity of drugs are affecting the sub economies of the hood and other areas where drug use is high. I’d imagine supply/demand has caused some inflation!