US Military Conducts New Lethal Strike on Drug Boat in Pacific, Killing Four

The US military killed four people in a strike on a suspected drug vessel. The incident occurred in international waters in the Eastern Pacific. It happened on Thursday, December 4.

This action continues a pattern of strikes against alleged narcotics traffickers. The operation was conducted under the direction of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. It is part of an ongoing campaign known as Operation Southern Spear.

Details of the Latest Counter-Narcotics Operation

According to a statement from US Southern Command, intelligence confirmed the vessel was carrying illegal drugs. The boat was transiting a known narco-trafficking route. The military identified those killed as male “narco-terrorists.”

The strike was announced publicly on the platform X. It marks the first such action reported in over a week. According to Reuters, there have been more than 20 similar strikes this year.

These operations have resulted in over 80 fatalities in total. They target vessels suspected of moving illicit narcotics. The campaign is a significant military effort in the Caribbean and Pacific.

Growing Scrutiny and Legal Questions Over Strategy

The latest strike occurs amid increasing scrutiny of the policy. A previous strike on September 2nd is under particular review. Critics are questioning whether certain actions violated laws of war.

That initial operation reportedly left survivors in the water. A subsequent strike then targeted those individuals. The Defense Department’s manual forbids attacking shipwrecked persons who pose no threat.

Secretary Hegseth has defended the military’s decisions. He stated he watched the first strike in real time but did not see survivors. He described the follow-up action as occurring in the “fog of war.”

The latest US military drug boat strike demonstrates a continued hardline approach. This strategy shows no signs of abating despite legal and ethical debates. The policy remains a focal point of the administration’s counter-narcotics efforts.

Thought you’d like to know

What is Operation Southern Spear?

It is a US military task force mission targeting drug trafficking. The operation conducts strikes on suspected narcotics vessels. Its actions are focused in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific regions.

How many people have been killed in these strikes?

US military strikes this year have killed more than 80 people. The recent operation added four more fatalities. These figures are provided in official statements and major news reports.

Why is the September 2nd strike controversial?

Reports indicate the initial strike left survivors who were later targeted. This raises potential violations of the Law of War Manual. The manual explicitly forbids attacking incapacitated or shipwrecked persons.

Who authorizes these military strikes?

Strikes are conducted at the direction of the US Defense Secretary. The recent operation was authorized by Secretary Pete Hegseth. The military commands involved then execute the mission.

What group is often blamed for these drug boats?

President Donald Trump has claimed vessels are operated by the gang Tren de Aragua. The administration links this group to narcotics trafficking from Venezuela. This connection is frequently cited as justification for the strikes.