USSOUTHCOM posts video of 22nd Eastern Pacific strike killing four; first since Nov. 15
U.S. Southern Command posted unclassified video of a Dec. 4 Eastern Pacific strike it said killed four people aboard a narcotics‑smuggling vessel operated by a “Designated Terrorist Organization,” calling it the 22nd strike under Operation Southern Spear and the first maritime strike since Nov. 15. The Pentagon said Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the attack, which brings the campaign’s reported death toll to roughly 86–87 and comes amid a wider U.S. military buildup and congressional scrutiny over the legal basis and conduct of the strikes.
Caribbean/Eastern Pacific Strikes
U.S. Anti-Drug Military Operations
Caribbean Counterdrug Operations
Military/Defense
National Security
U.S. Military Operations
U.S. Defense Policy
Counter-Narcotics Operations
National Security and Law of War
Counter-narcotics Operations
U.S.–Caribbean Diplomacy
U.S. National Security
Law Enforcement
U.S. Military and Latin America
Military
U.S.–Venezuela Tensions
International
Pentagon
Congressional Oversight
Pete Hegseth
War & Conflict
Operation Southern Spear
📌 Key Facts
- Operation Southern Spear is the U.S. umbrella for the current military buildup and maritime strike campaign near Venezuela; the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is explicitly deployed under that operation and the U.S. has reopened Roosevelt Roads (Puerto Rico) and secured temporary access in the Dominican Republic for staging, refueling and support flights.
- Since early September the U.S. has carried out roughly 21–22 maritime strikes under the campaign; USSOUTHCOM said a Dec. 4 Eastern Pacific engagement was the 22nd strike, the first known strike since Nov. 15.
- The Dec. 4 strike killed four people aboard a vessel USSOUTHCOM said was operated by a 'Designated Terrorist Organization' and carrying illicit narcotics; SOUTHCOM posted unclassified video of the engagement and Pentagon statements said Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the strike.
- News outlets and Pentagon updates put the campaign’s cumulative death toll at least 87 people (variously reported as in the low‑to‑mid‑80s as strikes were updated across reports).
- Administration leaders publicly defend the campaign as lawful, 'lethal, kinetic' operations directed at 'narco‑terrorists'; Hegseth and President Trump have signaled escalation (Trump said land interdictions would begin 'very soon' and framed the hemisphere as America’s neighborhood).
- The U.S. is employing and planning a mix of platforms in the region — the Gerald R. Ford, F‑35s temporarily deployed to Puerto Rico, B‑52 overflights, and plans to use long‑dwell robotic surface vessels, small robotic interceptor boats and VTOL robotic air vehicles — to pressure trafficking networks.
- The campaign faces legal and congressional scrutiny: Democratic senators have demanded declassification and public release of the legal opinion authorizing the strikes, congressional committee leaders pledged investigations of reported follow‑on strikes, and some lawmakers (including Sen. Tim Kaine) warned alleged 'leave no survivors' orders could amount to war crimes; Hegseth and the Pentagon deny those allegations and emphasize legal review.
- U.S. law‑enforcement and coast guard officials say the strikes are raising operational costs for traffickers and complicating smuggling (a 'cat‑and‑mouse' dynamic), but acknowledge traffickers are adapting and the overall flow has not fully slowed.
📊 Relevant Data
In 2023, there were 109,540 drug overdose deaths in the United States, highlighting the scale of the public health crisis that the maritime strikes aim to address by targeting drug trafficking networks.
The majority of fentanyl entering the United States is produced and trafficked by Mexican cartels such as the Sinaloa Cartel, primarily through land ports of entry, whereas the maritime strikes target routes more commonly used for cocaine smuggling.
2025 National Drug Threat Assessment — DEA.gov
In 2023, Mexico experienced over 30,000 homicides, many driven by organized crime activity from drug cartels, supporting the designation of these groups as terrorist organizations due to their violent impact.
Criminal Violence in Mexico — Council on Foreign Relations
Drug overdose death rates among American Indian and Alaska Native people were the highest at 65.0 per 100,000 in 2023 (with this group making up 1.3% of the US population), with deaths from polyuse of methamphetamines and opioids being particularly elevated in this group.
Widening Racial Disparities in the U.S. Overdose Epidemic — ScienceDirect
The majority of known maritime drug flow, particularly cocaine, is conveyed via noncommercial vessels through the Western Hemisphere Transit Zone, which is the focus of US interdiction efforts like the recent strikes.
GAO-25-108525, MARITIME SECURITY — GAO.gov
📊 Analysis & Commentary (1)
Mitch McConnell: Peace Through Strength Is Worth Paying For
"Sen. Mitch McConnell argues, echoing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s warnings tied to recent military actions like Operation Southern Spear, that rising threats require a Reagan‑scale, sustained increase in U.S. defense spending because robust deterrence is far cheaper than fighting wars."
📰 Sources (20)
WATCH: Hegseth delivers keynote address at Reagan National Defense Forum
New information:
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth publicly defended the maritime strike campaign, asserting President Trump can take military action 'as he sees fit' and warning, 'we will find you and we will sink you.'
- Updated cumulative death toll: the latest strike brings reported fatalities to at least 87.
- Hegseth likened targeted smugglers to al‑Qaida and framed the operation as protecting Americans, while acknowledging congressional scrutiny over legal justification and alleged follow‑on strikes after survivors were known.
4 killed in latest strike on alleged drug boat, Pentagon says
New information:
- SOUTHCOM said Thursday’s Eastern Pacific strike killed four and posted unclassified video of the attack.
- Pentagon said the strike was ordered by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth; SOUTHCOM called those killed "four male narco-terrorists."
- CBS notes this was the first known strike since Nov. 15.
- CBS now places total fatalities at "at least 87" across the campaign.
US carries out 22nd strike on alleged drug vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization
New information:
- USSOUTHCOM says a Dec. 4 strike targeted a vessel in international waters in the Eastern Pacific.
- This is the 22nd strike under Operation Southern Spear/Secretary Hegseth’s direction.
- Four aboard were killed; article cites updated total fatalities of 86.
- USSOUTHCOM posted video of the engagement and said the boat was operated by a 'Designated Terrorist Organization' and carrying illicit narcotics.
- Described as the first strike in more than two weeks.
Hegseth says he didn't see survivors of scrutinized strike on alleged drug vessel
New information:
- Pentagon updated cumulative figures: 21 kinetic strikes and 82 killed across the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.
- Hegseth publicly signaled escalation, stating the U.S. has "only just begun" targeting suspected narco‑boats.
- White House/Pentagon emphasized legal justifications and that Adm. Frank Bradley issued the follow‑on order in the early‑September incident.
Retired general hails Trump's 'holistic' crackdown on Venezuelan drug trafficking as showdown escalates
New information:
- War Secretary Pete Hegseth announced two additional airstrikes on Monday against alleged drug‑smuggling vessels in international waters.
- The segment reiterates Trump’s ultimatum to Maduro to leave Venezuela and his call to consider Venezuelan airspace "closed," previously reported.
Kaine says reported second Venezuela strike could be "a war crime if it's true"
New information:
- New allegation via Washington Post that a 'leave no survivors' verbal order preceded a reported follow-on strike killing two survivors in the water; Hegseth denies it.
- Kaine’s public characterization of the reported action as a war crime if true and his intent to refile war powers resolutions.
- Committee leaders in both chambers pledged to investigate the reported follow-on strike specifically, beyond earlier demands for a general legal rationale.
- Context update: Nearly two dozen U.S. maritime strikes have occurred since Sept. 2; Trump posted that Venezuela’s airspace should be considered 'closed.'
Hegseth defends lethal strikes against alleged drug traffickers: 'Biden coddled terrorists, we kill them'
New information:
- War Secretary Pete Hegseth posted on X defending the strikes as intentionally 'lethal, kinetic' operations aimed to destroy narco‑boats and kill 'narco‑terrorists.'
- Hegseth asserted the operations are lawful under U.S. and international law and were approved by military and civilian lawyers up the chain of command.
- He claimed 'every trafficker we kill is affiliated with a Designated Terrorist Organization.'
- Hegseth pushed back on Washington Post/CNN reporting about a second strike that allegedly targeted survivors, calling coverage 'fabricated' and 'inflammatory.'
- President Trump shared video of the Sept. 2 strike on Truth Social and reiterated that land interdictions against suspected Venezuelan traffickers will begin 'very soon.'
- Hegseth added, 'We have only just begun to kill narco‑terrorists.'
Trump says US will begin stopping Venezuelan drug traffickers by land: 'Going to start very soon'
New information:
- Trump stated land interdictions targeting Venezuelan drug traffickers will begin 'very soon,' expanding the operational scope beyond the ~21 reported maritime strikes.
- Provided a new performance metric: 'about 85% stopped by sea,' suggesting outcome framing of the maritime phase.
Dominican Republic grants U.S. access to restricted areas for its fight against drug trafficking
New information:
- Dominican Republic formally authorizes U.S. access to restricted areas at San Isidro Air Base and Las Américas International Airport for refueling, equipment movement and technical personnel.
- KC-135 tankers will stage in the DR to support air patrols and provide refueling to U.S. and partner aircraft; C-130s will support medevac, firefighting, weather reconnaissance and disaster relief.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met in Santo Domingo with President Abinader and DR defense leadership; both emphasized the agreement is technical, limited and temporary while respecting DR sovereignty.
- AP characterizes this as the first major public agreement with a Caribbean nation to support the ongoing U.S. maritime strike campaign; cumulative strike fatalities noted at least 83 since early September.
Top U.S. military officials will visit Caribbean leaders as Trump weighs next steps
New information:
- Pentagon says Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will travel to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, to meet Wednesday with President Luis Abinader, Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre, and other officials.
- Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, met the same day with Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar; his office said they discussed narcotics, arms and human trafficking, and TCO activity.
- Caine visited U.S. troops in Puerto Rico and at least one U.S. Navy ship to thank service members over Thanksgiving, per the Pentagon.
- Article reiterates tally of U.S. maritime strikes since early September at 21 known strikes with at least 83 killed.
- Context note: The administration’s recent designation of Venezuela’s Cartel de los Soles as a Foreign Terrorist Organization is highlighted as added pressure on Maduro.
Democratic senators ask Trump administration to provide legal basis for Venezuela strikes
New information:
- A group of mostly Democratic senators sent a letter to AG Pam Bondi and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urging declassification and public release of the legal opinion underpinning the maritime airstrikes.
- Signatories include Sens. Elissa Slotkin, Mark Kelly, and Independent Sen. Angus King.
- The letter frames transparency around the use of lethal force as a democratic imperative.
Top military leaders head to Puerto Rico to thank troops supporting Caribbean missions
New information:
- Pentagon memo: Chairman Gen. Dan Caine and SEAC David L. Isom are visiting Puerto Rico on Nov. 24, 2025 to meet service members supporting Caribbean missions.
- Leaders will also “visit and thank” sailors operating at sea in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility.
- This is the second such trip following a September visit that included Sec. of War Pete Hegseth at Muñiz Air Base.
Coast Guard admiral, DEA administrator defend strikes on alleged drug boats
New information:
- Confirms at least 21 U.S. maritime strikes on alleged drug‑ferrying boats since September.
- DEA claims operational pressure is increasing costs for captains, engines, and boat construction, contributing to higher cocaine prices.
- USCG leadership states traffickers are adapting but overall flow hasn’t slowed, framing a continuing 'cat‑and‑mouse' dynamic.
Trump leaves military action against Venezuela on the table but floats possible talks
New information:
- Trump publicly keeps military action on the table even as he raises the possibility of talks with Maduro.
- Article situates these remarks amid recent U.S. strikes on suspected drug boats under Operation Southern Spear.
- Maduro claims the U.S. buildup and strikes aim to push him from office; he nevertheless says he is open to dialogue.
Ford carrier adds to U.S. military buildup near Venezuela
New information:
- The Gerald R. Ford CSG is explicitly deployed under Operation Southern Spear per a new SOUTHCOM statement.
- SOUTHCOM reported another suspected drug-boat strike, bringing the total to around 21.
- Adm. Holsey characterized the Ford’s deployment as reinforcing protection of the Western Hemisphere and U.S. homeland.
US forces kill 3 narco-terrorists in Eastern Pacific lethal strike operation targeting drug networks
New information:
- A subsequent strike after the reported 20th strike killed three suspected traffickers in the Eastern Pacific.
- USSOUTHCOM raises the cumulative fatality count to 82 with three survivors.
- Official USSOUTHCOM X post says intelligence confirmed the vessel was smuggling narcotics along a known trafficking route.
U.S. reopens Puerto Rico naval base as Caribbean military buildup continues
New information:
- Roosevelt Roads base in Puerto Rico has been reopened for U.S. operations.
- Breakdown of U.S. ships currently positioned in the region and a B-52 show-of-force overflight.
- Early September deployment of 10 F-35s to Puerto Rico for cartel-targeting missions.
- Multiple-day sequence of White House meetings with senior national security officials reviewing Venezuela options, including land strikes.
Hegseth announces operation to remove 'narco-terrorists from our Hemisphere'
New information:
- Hegseth announced on X the launch of Operation Southern Spear and said U.S. Southern Command and a newly named Joint Task Force Southern Spear will lead the mission.
- A Pentagon official said the U.S. carried out its 20th strike on alleged drug‑tracking boats earlier this week; the most recent Caribbean strike killed four suspected narco‑terrorists.
- The Navy plans to employ long‑dwell robotic surface vessels, small robotic interceptor boats and VTOL robotic air vehicles alongside the USS Gerald R. Ford in the region.
- Hegseth added: “The Western Hemisphere is America’s neighborhood – and we will protect it.”
Hegseth announces Operation Southern Spear in "America's neighborhood"
New information:
- Operation Southern Spear is the umbrella for the current U.S. buildup and strikes near Venezuela.
- Axios underscores CBS reporting that updated land-strike options were presented to Trump Wednesday with no decision yet.
- Hegseth’s public framing: “America’s neighborhood” must be protected.