U.S. Military Kills Two Alleged Narco-Terrorists in Eastern Pacific Strike
MIAMI, Fla. — In a decisive operation on December 29, the U.S. Southern Command’s Joint Task Force Southern Spear eliminated two alleged narco-terrorists aboard a vessel operating in international waters of the Eastern Pacific. The strike, authorized by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, targeted a ship linked to designated terrorist organizations involved in narcotics trafficking along known smuggling routes.
According to a statement from U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), the operation was the first lethal kinetic strike since December 22 and represents the 30th such strike since September 2. These missions have collectively resulted in the deaths of at least 106 suspected narco-terrorists, underscoring the ongoing U.S. campaign to disrupt drug trafficking networks in the region.
The vessel targeted was reportedly connected to Colombia’s Ejército de Liberación Nacional (ELN), a group designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government. SOUTHCOM confirmed that no U.S. military personnel were harmed during the operation.
Secretary Hegseth emphasized the significance of the strike, noting that the Joint Task Force Southern Spear continues to dismantle narco-terrorist networks operating in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean. The campaign, initiated in early September, has focused on vessels ranging from submersibles to high-speed boats used by groups such as Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua and Colombia’s ELN.
The U.S. military’s approach aligns with broader federal efforts to combat drug trafficking. Earlier this month, the Trump administration unveiled the “Fentanyl Free America” plan, which aims to curb the flow of illicit drugs into the United States through coordinated enforcement actions. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has reported that maritime strikes against suspected drug vessels have been instrumental in disrupting supply chains.
President Donald Trump’s administration has maintained a controversial posture by authorizing lethal strikes against low-profile vessels suspected of narcotics trafficking. The most recent strike on December 22 preceded this latest operation, signaling a sustained campaign to neutralize threats in international waters.
As the U.S. military intensifies its efforts, there are indications that future operations may expand to include land-based targets, a move that could further escalate the campaign against narco-terrorist groups. The Department of Defense continues to coordinate closely with other federal agencies to adapt to evolving threats posed by these organizations.
For more information on U.S. military operations and drug interdiction efforts, visit the Department of Defense and DEA official websites.
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