The U.S. military carried out another strike in the Caribbean on a vessel the Pentagon described as involved in drug trafficking, killing four people. Since September, at least 21 vessels reportedly have been destroyed in 20 strikes, causing at least 80 deaths, under the campaign called Operation Southern Spear. U.N. rights officials and legal experts have called for investigations, citing possible violations of international law. The strikes coincide with an increased U.S. naval presence in the region and political tensions involving Venezuela and Colombia.
U.S. Strike in Caribbean Kills Four; 20th Attack on Suspected Drug Boats Raises Legal and Diplomatic Alarm
The U.S. military carried out another strike in the Caribbean on a vessel the Pentagon described as involved in drug trafficking, killing four people. Since September, at least 21 vessels reportedly have been destroyed in 20 strikes, causing at least 80 deaths, under the campaign called Operation Southern Spear. U.N. rights officials and legal experts have called for investigations, citing possible violations of international law. The strikes coincide with an increased U.S. naval presence in the region and political tensions involving Venezuela and Colombia.
08:00 AM, 11/14/2025Security
U.S. Military Carries Out Another Strike on Alleged Drug Trafficking Vessel
The U.S. military conducted another strike on Tuesday against a vessel the Pentagon described as involved in drug trafficking, a Pentagon official told CBS News. The attack, which took place in the Caribbean Sea, killed four people aboard the boat.
Scope of the Campaign
Since September, U.S. forces have destroyed at least 21 vessels in 20 strikes in international waters, actions the Trump administration has framed as part of an anti-drug offensive. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth later assigned the campaign the name "Operation Southern Spear". The Pentagon has released few details about the individual strikes.
Legal and Human Rights Concerns
Officials, analysts and rights observers have raised questions about the legality and transparency of the operations. While Pentagon officials have described some targets as "narco-terrorists" operating along known trafficking routes, U.S. authorities have not publicly provided specific evidence that each struck vessel was actively smuggling drugs or posed a direct threat to U.S. security.
U.N. human rights chief Volker Türk urged an investigation into the strikes this week, warning of "strong indications" that some operations could amount to "extrajudicial killings."
Legal experts have cautioned that strikes in international waters raise complex questions about jurisdiction, proportionality and due process — even when aimed at suspected traffickers.
Regional Military Buildup and Political Fallout
The strike came as the U.S. military increased its presence in the region. The Department of Defense confirmed that the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and accompanying warships have entered U.S. Southern Command's area of responsibility, which includes the Caribbean Sea, expanding U.S. operational options in the region.
At the White House, senior military officials presented President Donald Trump with updated options for potential operations involving Venezuela, including plans that could entail strikes on land, according to multiple sources familiar with the discussions. No final decision had been announced.
Venezuela responded by launching a large nationwide military exercise reportedly involving about 200,000 forces. Many Venezuelans, including President Nicolás Maduro, and outside observers view the increased U.S. pressure as aimed at forcing political change in Caracas. Asked on "60 Minutes" whether Maduro's "days were numbered," President Trump replied, "I would say yeah. I think so, yeah."
In a diplomatic protest, Colombia's President Gustavo Petro ordered his country to suspend intelligence-sharing with the United States, saying that the directive "will remain in force as long as the missile attacks on boats in the Caribbean continue."
What Comes Next
The combination of lethal strikes at sea, mounting legal questions and an expanded U.S. naval presence has increased calls for greater transparency and independent review. Observers — including U.N. human rights officials and international legal experts — are urging investigations into how targets are identified and how lethal force is authorized in international waters.
Note: The Pentagon has provided limited public detail about specific strikes; reporting relies on official statements and multiple sources familiar with White House deliberations.