U.S. forces conducted a strike on November 15, 2025, targeting a narcotics vessel in the Eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of three suspected narco-terrorists. This operation, confirmed by the U.S. Southern Command, is part of a broader campaign aimed at disrupting transnational criminal networks operating within international waters. The action raises the total number of suspected narco-terrorists killed in this ongoing initiative to 82, with three survivors reported.
In a social media post, U.S. Southern Command stated that intelligence indicated the vessel was involved in smuggling narcotics along a recognized trafficking route. The command characterized the operation as a “lethal kinetic operation” designed to undermine criminal activities in the region.
Details of the Operation
The operation was launched under the auspices of Operation Southern Spear, a mission recently announced by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. In his announcement, Hegseth described the mission as vital for protecting the U.S. homeland and removing narco-terrorists from the hemisphere. He stated, “This mission defends our Homeland, removes narco-terrorists from our Hemisphere, and secures our Homeland from the drugs that are killing our people.”
The campaign, led by Joint Task Force Southern Spear and U.S. Southern Command, has intensified operations against suspected drug-trafficking boats. Just a week prior to this strike, U.S. forces executed their 20th operation, which resulted in the deaths of four alleged narco-terrorists. Since the beginning of September, U.S. strikes in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean have targeted vessels linked to notorious groups such as Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua and Colombia’s Ejército de Liberación Nacional (ELN).
Impacts and Future Outlook
Since the campaign commenced on September 2, 2025, it has led to the destruction of numerous vessels associated with these criminal organizations. The first strike of the campaign resulted in the death of 11 alleged members of Tren de Aragua, and subsequent operations in October and November have continued to focus on known trafficking routes.
The U.S. Navy, under the 4th Fleet and Southern Command, is employing advanced technology for these operations, including “long-dwell robotic surface vessels, small robotic interceptor boats, and vertical takeoff and landing robotic air vessels.” These efforts are part of a comprehensive strategy to dismantle narco-terrorist networks and curtail the influx of illegal drugs into the United States.
While the campaign aims to disrupt drug trafficking, it has also faced scrutiny. Notably, one strike involving an ELN-affiliated vessel drew criticism from Colombia’s president after three individuals were killed.
The stakes remain high as U.S. forces continue to engage in operations designed to mitigate the threats posed by narco-terrorists in the region. The ongoing commitment to Operation Southern Spear highlights the U.S. government’s focus on national security and public safety in the face of persistent drug-related violence.
