Operation Southern Spear is a United States military initiative in the Caribbean that is officially described as a drug-interdiction force.
November 24, 2025
high
temporal
Describes the stated mission of a named U.S. military initiative operating in the Caribbean.
The U.S. military has carried out lethal strikes against vessels alleged to be drug-smuggling boats in maritime areas including the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific.
November 24, 2025
high
temporal
Describes reported use of maritime lethal force against suspected drug smugglers.
Operation Southern Spear is a U.S. military mission led by U.S. Southern Command and Joint Task Force Southern Spear, operating under U.S. 4th Fleet and the Navy, that targets narco-terrorist networks across Latin America.
November 15, 2025
high
temporal
Named U.S. operation and responsible commands for counter-narco-terror efforts in the Western Hemisphere.
The term 'Cartel de los Soles' has been used more broadly to refer to police and government officials and to illicit activities such as illegal mining and fuel trafficking as corruption expanded nationwide in Venezuela.
high
historical
Evolution of the umbrella term to encompass a wider set of actors and illicit activities.