U.S. forces conducted a lethal strike in the Eastern Pacific that killed three suspected narco‑terrorists, raising the campaign's reported toll to 82 killed and three survivors recovered. Southern Command said the targeted vessel was smuggling narcotics along a known route and called the action a "lethal kinetic operation" in international waters. Pete Hegseth announced the launch of Operation Southern Spear, to be led by Southern Command and a joint task force using robotic surface and air assets. The campaign, active since Sept. 2, has targeted dozens of boats linked to groups such as Tren de Aragua and the ELN.
U.S. Strike in Eastern Pacific Kills Three Suspected Narco‑Terrorists as 'Operation Southern Spear' Is Launched
U.S. forces conducted a lethal strike in the Eastern Pacific that killed three suspected narco‑terrorists, raising the campaign's reported toll to 82 killed and three survivors recovered. Southern Command said the targeted vessel was smuggling narcotics along a known route and called the action a "lethal kinetic operation" in international waters. Pete Hegseth announced the launch of Operation Southern Spear, to be led by Southern Command and a joint task force using robotic surface and air assets. The campaign, active since Sept. 2, has targeted dozens of boats linked to groups such as Tren de Aragua and the ELN.
08:15 AM, 11/17/2025Security
U.S. forces carry out lethal strike in Eastern Pacific
U.S. forces conducted a lethal strike in international waters in the Eastern Pacific that killed three suspected narco‑terrorists, U.S. Southern Command said. The command described the operation as a "lethal kinetic operation" and said intelligence indicated the targeted vessel was transporting narcotics along a known trafficking corridor.
The latest action brings the campaign's reported toll to 82 suspected narco‑terrorists killed, with three survivors recovered, according to Southern Command. The strikes are part of a sustained U.S. effort to disrupt transnational criminal and narco‑terror networks that move drugs toward the United States.
Operation Southern Spear announced
Pete Hegseth announced the formal launch of Operation Southern Spear, a mission led by U.S. Southern Command and a newly formed Joint Task Force Southern Spear. Hegseth said the operation is intended to defend the homeland and dismantle narco‑terror networks across the Western Hemisphere.
"This mission defends our Homeland, removes narco‑terrorists from our Hemisphere, and secures our Homeland from the drugs that are killing our people," Hegseth posted.
Scope of the campaign
Since early September, U.S. forces have carried out multiple strikes across the Eastern Pacific and the Caribbean, destroying dozens of vessels reportedly linked to groups such as Venezuela's Tren de Aragua and Colombia's Ejército de Liberación Nacional (ELN). The campaign began on Sept. 2 with a strike that reportedly killed 11 alleged members of Tren de Aragua and has continued with numerous targeted operations along established trafficking routes.
Operations have targeted a variety of craft, including submersibles, fishing vessels and high‑speed boats. One strike on an ELN‑affiliated craft drew criticism from Colombia's president after three men were killed. Several operations have been staged near Venezuela's coast, with many recent actions concentrated in the Eastern Pacific.
Technology and future plans
The Navy said it will lead Operation Southern Spear under U.S. 4th Fleet and Southern Command, employing long‑dwell robotic surface vessels, small robotic interceptor boats and vertical‑takeoff‑and‑landing robotic air vehicles to conduct future missions.
Note on reporting: This article reflects the information provided by U.S. Southern Command and related official statements. Some early reports contained inconsistent timing references for individual strikes; the text above follows the command's public statements and summarizes the broader campaign details.