U.S. Forces Conduct Deadly Attack on Narco-Terrorists in Eastern Pacific
On Thursday, U.S. Southern Command reported that American forces executed a lethal strike in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, which resulted in the deaths of four suspected narco-terrorists. Additionally, a ship involved in smuggling operations was destroyed during this operation. This mission, directed by Army Secretary Pete Hegseth under Operation Southern Spear, marks the 22nd such attack on cartel-affiliated human traffickers at sea, bringing the total number of narco-terrorists killed to nearly 90, despite facing significant criticism from some Congressional members.
The airstrike was launched in international waters, targeting a vessel believed to be carrying illegal drugs. Social media updates identified the deceased as “four male narco-terrorists.” The operation is part of a broader effort to disrupt drug trafficking in the region.
This airstrike is particularly notable as it was the first since a similar operation in November last year. A video shared on social media shows the vessel, loaded with cargo, exploding after being struck by U.S. military firepower.
Operation Southern Spear, which aims to identify and disrupt drug trafficking networks across the Western Hemisphere, has so far targeted 12 similar operations in the Eastern Pacific. Critics, primarily from the Democratic side of Congress, have questioned the legality of these airstrikes, suggesting that they overstep presidential authority. However, Pentagon spokesperson Kingsley Wilson emphasized that these actions are fully compliant with both U.S. and international law and have received approval from military and civilian legal authorities.
Reports have surfaced regarding a controversial narrative surrounding Army Secretary Hegseth’s involvement in earlier operations, particularly a September attack that eliminated 11 narco-terrorist smugglers. Wilson clarified that the decision for that operation was made by Admiral Frank ‘Mitch’ Bradley, not Hegseth.
In a closed-door session with Congress, Admiral Bradley defended the ongoing military actions against narco-terrorist ships, insisting that Operation Southern Spear is a critical component of national security. He explained that these airstrikes adhere to strict rules of engagement and undergo thorough legal review.
Some lawmakers inquired about the effectiveness of the operation, to which Bradley responded with intelligence indicating that the strikes have successfully disrupted several trafficking routes, forcing cartels to invest heavily in smuggling efforts, thereby weakening their operations.
Admiral Bradley also addressed media claims of poor targeting decisions, asserting that all attack authorizations are processed through the proper military chain of command. He countered the suggestion that Hegseth was solely responsible for these attacks, emphasizing the structured oversight involved.
Reactions to the airstrikes varied significantly among lawmakers. Senator Tom Cotton supported the military’s actions, framing them as necessary to combat the drug crisis in America. Conversely, Senator Jack Reed expressed serious concerns over the military’s operations and the transparency surrounding them.
This recent strike highlights the Trump administration’s assertive stance against drug cartels operating in maritime zones. While officials assert the legality and efficacy of the military’s actions, critics remain vocal about the ongoing operations, declaring them essential to bolstering national security and dismantling cartel networks.
