The U.S. military struck a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean on Tuesday, killing four people, the Pentagon said. Since September, U.S. forces have destroyed at least 21 boats in 20 strikes in international waters, with at least 80 reported dead; Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has labeled the campaign "Operation Southern Spear." Critics and the U.N. have raised legal concerns and called for investigations amid limited public evidence about the targets. The strikes coincide with a growing U.S. military presence in the region and rising tensions with Venezuela, while Colombia has suspended intelligence sharing with Washington.
U.S. Carries Out 20th Strike on Alleged Drug Boat in Caribbean, Killing Four — U.N. Calls for Probe
The U.S. military struck a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean on Tuesday, killing four people, the Pentagon said. Since September, U.S. forces have destroyed at least 21 boats in 20 strikes in international waters, with at least 80 reported dead; Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has labeled the campaign "Operation Southern Spear." Critics and the U.N. have raised legal concerns and called for investigations amid limited public evidence about the targets. The strikes coincide with a growing U.S. military presence in the region and rising tensions with Venezuela, while Colombia has suspended intelligence sharing with Washington.
02:02 AM, 11/14/2025Conflict
U.S. Strike in Caribbean Kills Four amid Broader Anti-Drug Campaign
The U.S. military struck an alleged drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean on Tuesday, the Pentagon told CBS News, killing four people aboard.
Since September, U.S. forces have destroyed at least 21 boats in 20 separate strikes in international waters, actions officials say have resulted in at least 80 deaths. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth later described the broader effort as "Operation Southern Spear." The Pentagon has released few details about the most recent attack.
Claims and lack of public evidence: Hegseth has characterized the targets as "narco-terrorists" operating along known trafficking routes, but U.S. officials have not publicly provided specific evidence showing these vessels were carrying drugs or posed a direct threat to the United States.
Legal and human-rights concerns: Some legal and regional experts warn the strikes — which have occurred in both the Pacific and the Caribbean — may violate international law even if aimed at traffickers. U.N. human rights chief Volker Türk this week urged an investigation into the operations, citing "strong indications" of possible "extrajudicial killings."
Regional military posture: The latest strike comes amid a growing U.S. military presence in the region. The Department of Defense confirmed that the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and accompanying warships have entered the area overseen by U.S. Southern Command. Senior U.S. military officials also presented the president with updated options for potential operations in Venezuela, including possible strikes on land; sources say no final decision has been made.
Venezuela announced a large-scale military exercise reportedly involving about 200,000 personnel. President Nicolás Maduro and many observers view the increased U.S. military pressure as an effort to force Maduro from office. In a recent "60 Minutes" interview President Trump said Maduro's "days were numbered." Trump has repeatedly accused Maduro of colluding with armed criminal gangs that smuggle drugs into the United States — claims Maduro denies.
Diplomatic fallout: Colombia's President Gustavo Petro ordered Bogotá to suspend intelligence sharing with the United States, saying the directive "will remain in force as long as the missile attacks on boats in the Caribbean continue."
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