U.S. Forces Eliminate Eight Narco-Terrorists in Eastern Pacific Strikes
MIAMI, Fla. — In a decisive move against narco-terrorism, U.S. Southern Command announced on December 16 that American forces conducted lethal kinetic strikes on three vessels operated by designated terrorist organizations in international waters of the Eastern Pacific. These strikes resulted in the deaths of eight suspected narco-terrorists, marking a significant blow to transnational drug trafficking networks.
The operation, directed by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, targeted vessels identified through intelligence as actively engaged in narcotics trafficking along well-known maritime routes. According to U.S. Southern Command, the strikes took place on December 15 and involved coordinated attacks on three separate boats. The first vessel saw three casualties, the second two, and the third three, totaling eight confirmed fatalities.
This action is part of an ongoing campaign initiated in September 2025 aimed at dismantling narco-terrorist organizations such as Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua and Colombia’s Ejército de Liberación Nacional. Since the start of this operation, U.S. forces have reportedly killed 94 alleged members of these groups, disrupting their ability to traffic illicit drugs into the United States and destabilize regional security.
The vessels targeted have varied in type, including submersibles, fishing boats, and high-speed craft, reflecting the adaptability of narco-traffickers in evading detection. Surveillance footage released by Southern Command shows massive explosions following the strikes, underscoring the lethality and precision of the U.S. military’s actions.
This campaign aligns with broader U.S. efforts to combat the flow of illegal narcotics, including the recently launched “Fentanyl Free America” plan under the Trump administration. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has reported that similar strikes in the Caribbean have contributed to curbing the influx of dangerous drugs into American communities.
The operation also highlights the role of intelligence and maritime domain awareness in countering narco-terrorism. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection and other agencies have been instrumental in monitoring suspicious vessel movements and coordinating with military assets to interdict illicit shipments.
As narco-terrorist groups continue to exploit maritime routes to finance their activities and threaten regional stability, the U.S. military’s persistent presence and aggressive posture in the Eastern Pacific remain critical. The Department of Defense and allied agencies maintain a commitment to disrupting these networks and safeguarding both American and international security interests.
For further information, the public can refer to official updates from the Department of Defense and Southern Command’s communications channels.
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