US Military Strikes Three Pacific Drug Boats, Killing Eight in Latest Operation
Updated (2 articles)
Strike on Three Pacific Vessels Results in Eight Deaths US Southern Command announced that on 2 September it struck three vessels transiting known narco‑trafficking routes in the Pacific, killing eight people [1]. Footage released by the command showed the attacks and identified the boats as alleged drug transports [1]. The operation forms part of a campaign that has targeted more than 20 vessels in the Pacific and Caribbean over recent months, resulting in at least 90 deaths [1].
Legal Experts Question Legality of Second Strike The first attack involved two successive strikes, with survivors of the initial hit killed in the follow‑up [1]. International‑law scholars argue the second strike may constitute an extrajudicial killing under the laws of armed conflict [1]. The vessels were reportedly linked to Venezuelan criminal groups, raising concerns about violations of Venezuelan sovereignty [1].
White House Defends Operations as Lawful Counter‑Drug Measure Administration officials said the strikes protect the United States from cartel threats and aim to disrupt drug flows [1]. The White House asserted that the actions comply with the laws of armed conflict and are legally justified [1]. Officials emphasized the necessity of pre‑emptive force against transnational criminal networks operating in the Pacific [1].
Campaign Extends to Oil Tanker Seizure Near Venezuela On 10 December U.S. forces seized an oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast, labeling it part of an illicit oil network [1]. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil condemned the seizure as “international piracy” [1]. The seizure aligns with the broader U.S. effort to isolate Nicolás Maduro’s government and pressure Caracas [1].
U.S. Forces Position Near Venezuela Amid Terrorist Designations The Trump administration designated two Venezuelan groups, Tren de Aragua and Cartel de los Soles, as foreign terrorist organizations [1]. Thousands of U.S. troops and the aircraft carrier USS Gerald Ford have been positioned near Venezuela as a show of force [1]. These deployments underscore escalating tensions between Washington and the Maduro regime [1].
Timeline
Sep 2, 2025 – The U.S. Navy fires missiles at a vessel suspected of carrying cocaine in international waters off Venezuela, marking the first time the U.S. military destroys a drug boat. Minutes after survivors cling to the wreckage, a second missile strike is ordered, killing two people who are not identified as combatants. The action sparks immediate legal debate over the legality of a “double‑strike” on non‑combatants[2].
Sep 5, 2025 – The Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel releases a 40‑page opinion that classifies drug trafficking as a terrorist activity, thereby authorizing the use of lethal force against smugglers under the laws of armed conflict[2].
Mid‑Nov 2025 – The DOJ opinion is finally distributed to all agencies involved in the campaign, a delay that later fuels congressional inquiries about compliance with U.S. law[2].
Dec 6, 2025 – The Pentagon reports that the September 2 strikes have brought the campaign’s total to more than 20 destroyed boats and at least 87 deaths. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announces the early retirement of Navy Admiral Alvin Holsey, commander of U.S. forces in Central and South America, and states, “I was not present during the second strike, citing other business.” Congressional committees request the written execution order, rules of engagement, and a transcript of Hegseth’s remarks for review[2].
Dec 10, 2025 – U.S. forces seize an oil tanker off the Venezuelan coast, alleging it is part of an illicit oil network tied to drug trafficking. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil condemns the seizure as “international piracy”[1].
Dec 16, 2025 – U.S. Southern Command strikes three vessels on known narco‑trafficking routes in the Pacific, killing eight people. The White House defends the operation, asserting that the strikes are “in line with the laws of armed conflict” and are necessary to protect the United States from cartels[1].
Dec 16, 2025 (context) – The September 2 double‑strike incident remains under scrutiny; legal experts argue the second missile attack on the wreckage likely violates international law and could be deemed an extrajudicial killing[1].
These events trace the escalation of the U.S. military’s drug‑interdiction campaign, the legal framework that underpins it, and the diplomatic fallout with Venezuela, providing essential context for understanding the current tensions in the region.