SOUTHCOM says 8 narco-terrorists killed in latest Eastern Pacific lethal kinetic strikes
The United States Southern Command announced that U.S. forces conducted lethal strikes on December 15, 2023, resulting in the deaths of at least eight narco-terrorists in the Eastern Pacific. These operations targeted multiple vessels linked to designated terrorist organizations involved in narco-trafficking activities. The strikes were executed under the direction of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth by the Joint Task Force Southern Spear.
According to the U.S. Southern Command, intelligence indicated suspicious activity along established narco-trafficking routes in international waters. The command confirmed that the vessels were engaged in illegal drug trafficking. “A total of eight male narco-terrorists were killed during these actions—three in the first vessel, two in the second, and three in the third,” the command stated.
Since the commencement of this operation, a total of 94 alleged narco-terrorists have been killed. The U.S. military has conducted numerous strikes against suspected drug-trafficking vessels in both the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean regions. This campaign aims to dismantle narco-terrorist networks, specifically targeting groups such as Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua and Colombia’s Ejército de Liberación Nacional.
The campaign began on September 2, 2023, with a strike that resulted in the deaths of 11 alleged members of Tren de Aragua. Additional operations have reportedly eliminated dozens more individuals across known trafficking routes. U.S. forces have targeted various types of vessels, including submersibles, fishing boats, and high-speed craft.
In a related effort, the Trump administration has launched the “Fentanyl Free America” initiative. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has reported that these strikes on suspected drug vessels in the Caribbean are contributing to a reduction in the flow of illegal drugs into the United States. The ongoing military actions highlight a sustained commitment to combating narco-trafficking and enhancing national security in the region.
