SOUTHCOM posts video of Dec. 15 Eastern Pacific strikes that killed 8 under 'Southern Spear'
SOUTHCOM posted a 47‑second video on X showing three airstrikes in international waters of the Eastern Pacific on Dec. 15, saying Joint Task Force “Southern Spear,” authorized by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, killed eight alleged narco‑terrorists (3, 2 and 3). The strikes are the latest in Operation Southern Spear amid a broader U.S. naval and air buildup — including the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group and multiple ships and thousands of service members — officials say the campaign tally is now about 95 killed in roughly 25 strikes, and closed‑door briefings for Congress are planned.
📌 Key Facts
- SOUTHCOM posted a 47‑second video on X showing three airstrikes in the Eastern Pacific on Dec. 15 that struck three separate vessels (per‑boat tallies reported as 3, 2 and 3) and said the strikes, conducted in international waters by Joint Task Force Southern Spear, killed eight people; the actions were authorized by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
- U.S. military statements described the targeted boats as transiting known narco‑trafficking routes and identified the individuals/vessels as linked to designated terrorist or “narco‑terrorist” organizations (some earlier strikes were publicly tied by U.S. officials to groups such as Tren de Aragua).
- Media and Pentagon updates place the broader campaign’s toll at least 95 people killed across about 25 U.S. strikes on suspected drug‑smuggling boats since early September (reports have varied over time, with earlier tallies at 80–83+).
- The strikes are part of a named campaign, Operation Southern Spear, accompanied by a major regional buildup: the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group was moved into SOUTHCOM’s area of responsibility and a force package of roughly 12,000–15,000 U.S. service members, nearly a dozen Navy ships (including destroyers, amphibious assault and transport ships), long‑range bombers (B‑52s), F‑35s, MQ‑9s, submarines and special‑operations aviation have been deployed to the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.
- The campaign has sharply escalated diplomatic tensions: Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro accused the U.S. of “fabricating a war,” mobilized forces and invited talks; President Trump has signaled he would not rule out land strikes (and closed Venezuelan airspace), while regional reactions range from support (e.g., Trinidad’s leadership) to protests and international calls for dialogue (including from Pope Leo).
- The operations face legal and political scrutiny in Washington: senators and officials have complained of limited briefings or withheld intelligence (a reported “secret list”), closed‑door briefings with Defense Secretary Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were scheduled, and reports say SOUTHCOM commander Adm. Alvin Holsey retired early amid concerns about the strikes’ legality; congressional leaders warned of War Powers implications.
- U.S. service members and personnel involved in the campaign have expressed concern about personal legal exposure from the strikes and have sought outside legal advice, according to reporting on morale and legal‑risk consultations.
📊 Analysis & Commentary (8)
The Miami MAGA bloc watching Venezuela
"A skeptical Politico Playbook take arguing that Miami’s MAGA-aligned constituencies are a key driver of the Trump administration’s hawkish Venezuela posture — naval buildups, maritime strikes and talk of land interdictions — and that political signaling to that bloc risks diplomatic fallout, legal questions and humanitarian costs."
The High Stakes in Venezuela
"A critical Wall Street Journal editorial argues the large U.S. military buildup and rhetoric around Venezuela—framed as counter‑narco operations—amount to an implicit push for Maduro’s ouster, warns the approach is disproportionate and risky, and cautions the President could lose politically if Maduro is not removed."
The bizarre march to war with Venezuela
"An alarmed critique arguing that U.S. maritime strikes, force deployments, and talk of imminent 'land interdictions' near Venezuela amount to a reckless escalation—framed as counternarcotics but driven by politics and weak oversight—that risks regional destabilization and could devolve into open conflict."
DAVID MARCUS: Trump's aggression toward Venezuela a warning to Putin
"The column interprets recent U.S. military pressure on Venezuela — maritime strikes and a Caribbean buildup — as a deliberate strategic move by the Trump administration to undercut Russian influence and gain leverage that could help end the war in Ukraine."
President Trump is right to get tough on Maduro. What comes next is critical
"An opinion piece endorsing President Trump’s tougher military and economic posture toward Nicolás Maduro — arguing Venezuela is a narco‑state aligned with U.S. adversaries, that prior pressure worked, that Biden-era easing emboldened Maduro, and that sustained interdiction and force are justified — commenting on recent U.S. Caribbean military buildup and maritime strikes."
We've Always Been At War With Venezue ... What?
"A skeptical critique arguing that the U.S. maritime strike campaign and the administration’s talk of imminent land interdictions near Venezuela represent risky mission creep — with heavy civilian costs, legal and diplomatic problems, and likely regional blowback rather than a straightforward counter‑drug success."
Trump Wants to Dominate Venezuela, Not Liberate It
"An opinion piece arguing that the Trump administration’s military and law‑enforcement moves toward Venezuela reflect a drive for dominance and resource leverage rather than a principled effort to liberate Venezuelans, warning of legal, diplomatic and strategic blowback."
Episode 177: Kori Schake on the State and the Soldier
"The (audio) analysis is a perspective/deep-dive on civil‑military tradeoffs — arguing that the administration’s maritime strike campaign and talk of land interdictions (as reported in the U.S. Caribbean buildup story) risk mission creep, legal and diplomatic blowback, and that military action must be subordinated to clear political objectives, oversight, and a multinational strategy."
📰 Sources (58)
U.S. military says strikes on 3 boats in the eastern Pacific Ocean kill 8 people
New information:
- U.S. military statement specifies three separate boat strikes in the eastern Pacific killed 8 individuals with per-boat tallies of 3, 2 and 3.
- Campaign-wide toll update: at least 95 people killed across 25 known strikes since early September.
- Targets described as 'designated terrorist organizations' in the military’s public statement.
- Closed-door briefings for all members of the House and Senate are slated, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio expected to brief.
Trump administration hits 3 more alleged drug boats in Pacific, killing 8
New information:
- SOUTHCOM published a 47‑second video on X showing three separate airstrikes on Dec. 15.
- SOUTHCOM says the Dec. 15 strikes were authorized by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and conducted by Joint Task Force Southern Spear in international waters of the Eastern Pacific.
- Updated campaign tally: at least 95 people killed across 25 struck boats since early September, according to the article.
SOUTHCOM says 8 narco-terrorists killed in latest Eastern Pacific lethal kinetic strikes
New information:
- SOUTHCOM says Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted lethal kinetic strikes on three vessels in the Eastern Pacific on Dec. 15.
- Eight alleged narco‑terrorists were killed (3 on the first vessel, 2 on the second, 3 on the third).
- Action took place in international waters and was directed by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
- SOUTHCOM stated intelligence confirmed the boats were transiting known narco‑trafficking routes.
U.S. military members fear personal legal blowback tied to boat strikes
New information:
- New angle: service members’ personal legal risk concerns have prompted consultations with outside groups (GI Rights Hotline; Orders Project).
- Confirms participation by roles such as a drone pilot and staff officers amid a campaign that has killed 80+ and struck 20+ boats, intensifying internal legal unease.
US deploys fighter jets to Gulf of Venezuela in closest known approach yet, amid rising tension
New information:
- Two U.S. F/A-18s flew for roughly 30 minutes over the Gulf of Venezuela on Tuesday in the closest known approach to Venezuelan airspace to date.
- Flight tracks were observed on Flightradar24; a U.S. defense official described it as a routine training mission to demonstrate operational reach.
- The jets remained entirely in international airspace; no disclosure on whether they were armed.
- This marks a step beyond prior B-52 and B-1 coastal flights, which did not approach as closely.
Trump says "if we have to, we'll attack on land" amid strikes on alleged drug boats
New information:
- At a Tuesday Cabinet meeting, President Trump said: "I want those boats taken out, and if we have to, we'll attack on land also."
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appeared with Trump and "gave new details" about the strikes on alleged drug boats (details not specified in the clip).
Pope Leo urges dialogue over military action after failed Maduro, Trump call
New information:
- Pope Leo XIV publicly urged the U.S. to prioritize dialogue and diplomatic pressure over military action in Venezuela, warning of the risk of an invasion or operation.
- He said signals from the U.S. administration appear mixed and expressed concern about rising tensions.
- The article reports that in a recent Trump–Maduro phone call, Trump issued an ultimatum demanding Maduro surrender power, which Maduro refused while seeking a 'global amnesty.'
- Pope Leo said the Holy See is working behind the scenes in peace efforts so 'all parties may lay down arms.'
Trump says he's planning land strikes on alleged drug traffickers "very soon"
New information:
- Trump, at a Cabinet meeting, explicitly said the U.S. will begin 'strikes on land' against alleged drug traffickers 'very soon' and described land targets as 'much easier.'
- He broadened the prospective target set beyond Venezuela, saying any country where drugs are produced or trafficked is 'subject to attack' and singled out Colombia.
- Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer warned that any land attack 'would be an act of war' and that Congress would invoke the War Powers Act.
- Colombian President Gustavo Petro responded, defending Colombia’s efforts and warning the U.S. not to 'threaten our sovereignty,' saying such threats would 'awaken the jaguar.'
Venezuela says U.S. requested resumption of migrant flights
New information:
- Trump said land strikes could start 'very soon' and added 'Not just Venezuela,' explicitly suggesting Colombia could see U.S. action.
- Trump framed potential targets as countries manufacturing/selling fentanyl or cocaine into the U.S.
- Pope Leo XVI urged dialogue and economic pressure over military threats regarding Venezuela.
Pope Leo Urges the U.S. Not to Threaten Venezuela With Force
New information:
- Pope Leo XIV publicly urged the U.S. to seek dialogue and economic pressure rather than threaten military action against Venezuela.
- He delivered the remarks to reporters Tuesday aboard a flight to Rome after visiting Turkey and Lebanon.
- Direct quote: “I believe it’s better to look for ways of dialogue, perhaps pressure, including economic pressure, but looking for other ways to change, if that’s what the United States wants to do.”
Trump Declares Venezuelan Airspace Closed
New information:
- Trump’s new post tells airlines and pilots to treat Venezuelan airspace as 'closed in its entirety,' escalating pressure alongside prior hints of land operations.
- NYT reports Trump and Maduro held a phone call last week discussing a possible meeting despite continued U.S. threats.
- Highlights likely travel and commercial disruption as a consequence of the statement.
Maduro brandishes sword at rally as he rails against 'imperialist aggression' amid rising tensions with US
New information:
- Trump told U.S. service members on Thanksgiving that the U.S. will begin stopping suspected Venezuelan drug traffickers on land 'very soon' and claimed maritime operations have halted an estimated 85% of sea-borne drugs.
- Maduro delivered a defiant rally in Caracas brandishing Simón Bolívar’s sword, urging troops and civilians to prepare to defend 'every inch' of the country against 'imperialist aggression.'
- Reuters reporting cited by Fox News describes heightened surveillance and security crackdowns in Venezuelan coastal communities after months of U.S. maritime strikes.
- Trump said he has not ruled out sending U.S. troops to Venezuela while also leaving open the possibility of talks with Maduro.
Trump says US will begin stopping Venezuelan drug traffickers by land: 'Going to start very soon'
New information:
- President Trump said the U.S. will 'very soon' begin stopping suspected Venezuelan drug traffickers 'by land,' signaling an expansion beyond maritime strikes.
- Trump claimed 'about 85%' of trafficking has been stopped by sea, framing maritime operations as largely effective.
- Reiterated he does not rule out sending U.S. ground troops to Venezuela (from Nov. 17 remarks).
'A giant game of chicken': Trump's Venezuela standoff edges toward conflict
New information:
- NPR reports roughly 15,000 U.S. troops are aboard the warships deployed near Venezuela.
- Characterizes the naval presence as the largest U.S. flotilla in the Caribbean since the Cuban Missile Crisis.
- Notes Trump said he is open to talks with Maduro while also signaling his 'days are numbered,' underscoring parallel pressure and outreach.
Top military leaders head to Puerto Rico to thank troops supporting Caribbean missions
New information:
- Pentagon advisory: Chairman Gen. Dan Caine and SEAC David Isom will travel to Puerto Rico Nov. 24 to engage with troops and sailors supporting regional missions.
- The visit underscores continuing U.S. naval operations in the Caribbean tied to Operation Southern Spear.
CBS News poll finds most would oppose U.S. military action in Venezuela
New information:
- CBS News/YouGov poll finds most Americans oppose potential U.S. military action in Venezuela.
- About three in four say President Trump would need congressional approval before taking military action in Venezuela (including just over half of Republicans).
- Only about one in five Americans have heard a lot about the U.S. military buildup.
- Current maritime strikes on suspected drug boats are narrowly approved overall (just over half), with support driven by Republicans; Americans want to see evidence of drugs on targeted boats.
- Most Americans do not think U.S. military action in Venezuela would change the amount of drugs entering the U.S.
- Within the GOP, MAGA Republicans are more supportive of potential military action than non‑MAGA Republicans.
Trump says he won't rule out sending U.S. troops into Venezuela
New information:
- President Trump said he does not rule out sending U.S. ground troops into Venezuela (“I don’t rule out anything”).
- Approximate force level: about 15,000 U.S. troops at sea and on land in the region, including in Puerto Rico.
- U.S. F-35 jets have been flying near‑continuously over Puerto Rico this week.
- Updated strike/casualty figures: at least 22 vessels targeted and 83 people killed since September.
- USS Gerald R. Ford is described as within striking distance of Venezuela; operations include activity at Roosevelt Roads Naval Station.
Venezuela's Maduro says he'd talk with Trump, as U.S. warships close in
New information:
- Maduro publicly invited direct talks with the U.S., saying 'Face-to-face' and urging diplomacy on his Monday TV program.
- Trump said he is willing to talk with Maduro while not ruling out deploying U.S. troops on the ground in Venezuela.
- CBS reports the USS Gerald R. Ford is 'within striking distance' as of Tuesday morning, with about 15,000 U.S. troops at sea and on land in Puerto Rico and F-35s flying nearly around the clock.
- Article reiterates at least 22 U.S. maritime strikes with at least 83 fatalities and notes movement to designate Cartel de los Soles as an FTO.
What to know about Trump's U.S. gunboat diplomacy near Venezuela
New information:
- USS Gerald R. Ford is now positioned off Venezuela’s coast as of Sunday.
- Additional U.S. ships identified in the area: USS Wichita (north of Cuba) and USS Lake Erie (near St. Thomas).
- CSIS estimates roughly 185 Tomahawk missiles are available in theater.
- At least 83 people have been killed in 20+ U.S. maritime strikes since September; no U.S. forces harmed.
- Trump said Friday he has 'sort of' decided how to proceed and on Sunday indicated potential talks with Maduro.
Trump Says U.S. May Hold Talks With Venezuela’s Maduro
New information:
- Trump indicated the administration may engage in discussions with Maduro as the deployment continues.
- Quote suggests Caracas has signaled willingness to talk (“They would like to talk”).
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