This week marked a decisive action by the U.S. military against narcotics trafficking, as three drug boats were destroyed while operating together in a convoy. The strikes occurred on Tuesday, though the exact location remains undisclosed. The U.S. Southern Command confirmed that the vessels were in international waters. At least three narco-terrorists were killed during this military intervention, though the fate of others who abandoned their vessels is unclear.
On December 30, under the directive of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear executed what is described as kinetic strikes. “These vessels were operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations in international waters,” the Southern Command stated. Intelligence indicated that these boats were navigating well-known narcotics routes and had recently exchanged drug shipments prior to being targeted. The military confirmed that three narco-terrorists aboard the first boat were eliminated during the initial engagement.
The U.S. Coast Guard was alerted following the strikes, enabling the activation of its search and rescue operations. It appears the remaining narcotics operators escaped by jumping overboard and moving away from the scene before further military action sank their vessels.
Operation Southern Spear, which began late in 2025, has seen significant results, with at least 30 drug boats destroyed and over 100 narco-terrorists eliminated. This operation is part of a broader strategy to increase pressure on the Maduro regime, whose connections to drug trafficking have strained U.S. efforts to combat the opioid crisis.
However, the military’s aggressive tactics have not come without criticism. Democrats have condemned President Trump and Secretary Hegseth for the destruction of the drug boats. In a recent move, Trump labeled fentanyl a chemical weapon and signed an executive order categorizing it as a weapon of mass destruction. Such designations bolster the administration’s justification for strict military action against drug trafficking operations.
The military’s ongoing efforts to disrupt narcotics trade reflect not only an offensive on terrorism but also a commitment to national security and public health. The destruction of drug boats serves as a tactical response to a persistent threat, and the U.S. Coast Guard’s involvement suggests a coordinated approach to safeguarding American waters.
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