SOUTHCOM posts video of Dec. 15 Eastern Pacific strikes that killed 8 under 'Southern Spear'
U.S. Southern Command posted a 47‑second video showing three airstrikes on Dec. 15 in the Eastern Pacific that SOUTHCOM says, conducted by Joint Task Force Southern Spear and authorized by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, killed eight alleged “narco‑terrorists” in international waters. The strikes are part of a wider U.S. campaign against suspected drug‑trafficking vessels that has involved repeated maritime attacks, a major regional military buildup—including the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group, bombers, F‑35s, destroyers and thousands of personnel—and prompted legal, congressional and diplomatic scrutiny after dozens of strikes and scores of fatalities.
📌 Key Facts
- SOUTHCOM posted a 47‑second video showing three airstrikes on Dec. 15 in the Eastern Pacific; Joint Task Force Southern Spear carried out the strikes in international waters, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized the actions, and U.S. officials say eight alleged narco‑terrorists were killed (3, 2, and 3 on the three vessels) after intelligence showed the boats transiting known trafficking routes.
- The Dec. 15 strikes are part of Operation Southern Spear, a campaign of lethal strikes on suspected drug‑smuggling boats that began in early September; the most recent consolidated reporting cites roughly 25 boats struck and about 95 people killed (earlier tallies reported 80–83+), and no U.S. service members reported killed in the maritime operations.
- The kinetic campaign is embedded in a major U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean/SOUTHCOM area: the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group was redeployed to the region and joined by destroyers, amphibious assault and transport ships, a cruiser, an attack submarine, B‑52 bombers, F‑35s, AC‑130s, MQ‑9s and thousands of Marines and sailors — estimates place the regional force package at roughly 12,000–15,000 personnel operating from nearly a dozen ships and Puerto Rican bases (including reopened Roosevelt Roads).
- Pentagon officials and the administration frame the deployment and strikes as counter‑narco‑terrorism operations to detect, monitor and disrupt transnational criminal organizations supplying drugs to the U.S.
- The campaign has provoked legal, political and ethical controversy: senators and foreign governments have questioned the legal basis for strikes at sea, Rear Adm. Alvin Holsey reportedly resigned early amid objections over the operations’ legality, and some U.S. service members have sought outside legal advice over potential personal liability.
- Regional and international reactions are mixed and heightened: Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro denounced the moves as fabricating a war and mobilized forces; Trinidad and Tobago has hosted U.S. ship visits and joint exercises but also seen protests; France and other critics raised international‑law concerns, and the Pope urged dialogue and non‑military pressure.
- President Trump has signaled willingness to expand the campaign beyond maritime strikes — saying land strikes could begin “very soon,” not ruling out ground forces, and imposing measures such as declaring Venezuelan airspace closed — prompting congressional warnings, allied concern and expert caution about escalation and readiness tradeoffs.
📊 Relevant Data
In 2023, Colombia accounted for approximately two-thirds of the global cocaine supply.
Cocaine Boom Pushes U.S.-Colombia Ties to Breaking Point Under Petro — Yahoo News
In 2023, the cocaine-involved overdose death rate for non-Hispanic Black persons was 24.3 per 100,000, compared to the national rate of 8.6 per 100,000, while Black Americans comprise about 13.6% of the US population.
In fiscal year 2024, of individuals sentenced for drug trafficking in the US, 44.4% were Hispanic, 28.5% were Black, 23.8% were White, and 3.3% were Other races, compared to US population percentages of approximately 19% Hispanic, 13.6% Black, and 58% White.
Drug Trafficking — United States Sentencing Commission
Root causes of Venezuelan migration include democratic breakdown, repression, and lack of basic services.
The Persistence of the Venezuelan Migrant and Refugee Crisis — CSIS
📊 Analysis & Commentary (8)
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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 (57)
- 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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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, 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.'
- 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 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’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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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/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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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”).
- SOUTHCOM said Sunday that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth directed the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to support the President’s directive against transnational criminal organizations.
- SOUTHCOM Commander Adm. Alvin Holsey said the Ford’s deployment is a 'critical step' to protect Western Hemisphere security and the American homeland.
- SOUTHCOM announced on social media an additional suspected drug-boat strike on Saturday, bringing the tally to what is believed to be 21 strikes.
- President Trump told reporters Friday he has 'sort of made up' his mind on how to proceed with Venezuela and said Sunday there may be discussions with Nicolás Maduro.
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