US strikes 3 more boats in Pacific Ocean, 8 killed
What's the story
The United States military has launched airstrikes on three boats in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing eight people. The US Southern Command said the vessels were linked to "Designated Terrorist Organizations" and were involved in drug trafficking. It posted a video showing a boat moving through water before an explosion. The incident is part of a larger campaign called "Operation Southern Spear," which has killed at least 95 people since September.
Twitter Post
US Southern Command's post announcing the 3 strikes
On Dec. 15, at the direction of @SecWar Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted lethal kinetic strikes on three vessels operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations in international waters. Intelligence confirmed that the vessels were transiting along known… pic.twitter.com/IQfCVvUpau
— U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) December 16, 2025
Campaign details
'Operation Southern Spear' targets suspected drug traffickers
"Operation Southern Spear" is a campaign launched by the Trump administration to target suspected drug traffickers. The US military has conducted 25 known strikes since early September, including a follow-up attack, which killed two survivors on the wreckage of a vessel that survived initial strikes. President Donald Trump has justified these actions as necessary to combat narcotics trafficking and declared an "armed conflict" with drug cartels.
Justification questioned
US military's justification and congressional scrutiny
The Trump administration has labeled those killed in the strikes as "unlawful combatants," citing a classified Justice Department finding that allows lethal strikes without judicial review. The actions have drawn scrutiny from lawmakers, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announcing an all-senators briefing on the strikes. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are expected to provide closed-door briefings for House and Senate lawmakers.
Regional escalation
US military's presence and actions in Caribbean
The US military has significantly increased its presence in the Caribbean, moving thousands of troops and a carrier strike group into the region. Last week, the US announced fresh sanctions on shipping companies and boats, who, it says, help move Venezuelan oil, a day after it seized an oil tanker off the country's coast. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has accused that the real purpose of US strikes is to force his removal from office.