United States announced it had killed four individuals in what it described as a targeted strike against "narco-terrorists." The attack, carried out by the US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), involved the destruction of a vessel believed to be involved in drug trafficking, though no concrete evidence has been provided to substantiate these claims.
The strike comes amid escalating tensions over US policies toward Venezuela. The vessel targeted was reportedly transiting a known narco-trafficking route, according to US officials, but critics argue the operation may be an extrajudicial action in international waters. Since September, US forces have acknowledged approximately 100 casualties in strikes on nearly 26 vessels across the eastern Pacific and Caribbean regions.
On Dec. 17, at the direction of @SecWar Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organizations in international waters. Intelligence confirmed that the vessel was transiting along a known… pic.twitter.com/Yhu3LSOyea
— U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) December 18, 2025
The recent military activity coincides with significant political developments in Washington. The Republican-controlled House of Representatives narrowly voted against two resolutions: one urging President Donald Trump to cease hostilities in Venezuela without congressional approval, and another calling for the removal of US forces from any engagement with designated terrorist organizations in the Western Hemisphere. Both resolutions were defeated by narrow margins.
Meanwhile, the US is deploying a substantial military presence in Latin America, including thousands of troops, an aircraft carrier, and a nuclear-powered submarine. These actions are part of Washington's broader strategy to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, with President Trump warning of potential military intervention to remove Maduro from power.
