Watch -- Operation Southern Spear: Five Narco-Terrorists Killed on New Years' Eve
The U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) reported two military operations on December 30 and 31, resulting in the deaths of eight narco-terrorists as part of Operation Southern Spear, directed by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. During the first operation, three terrorists were killed on a drug-trafficking vessel, leading to the abandonment of two others, while the second operation on December 31 killed five more terrorists on two additional vessels. These operations reflect an ongoing U.S. campaign against maritime drug trafficking that has reportedly resulted in 115 narco-terrorists killed since September, with no U.S. military casualties. Moving forward, SOUTHCOM continues to target transnational drug networks, emphasizing the urgency of combating drug trafficking in international waters.
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The December 30 operation involved Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducting kinetic strikes against three drug-trafficking vessels known to be operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations. This operation led to the death of three narco-terrorists and prompted the remaining operatives to jump overboard as their vessels were sunk.
SOUTHCOM immediately notified the U.S. Coast Guard to activate search and rescue operations for mariners in distress after the strikes, highlighting the urgency of addressing potential survivors from the engagements.
On December 31, another kinetic strike resulted in the deaths of five narco-terrorists across two vessels, reinforcing the intelligence that confirmed their involvement in narco-trafficking and their transit along established drug routes.
Since the launch of Operation Southern Spear in September, a total of 35 known narco-trafficking vessels have been targeted, indicating a sustained military effort against drug trafficking in international waters.
Throughout December 2025, several other operations were conducted by SOUTHCOM, including strikes on December 15, 17, 18, and 22, which also targeted narco-terrorists in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, contributing to the overall count of operations against drug trafficking.
SOUTHCOM's operations align with broader U.S. government efforts under President Donald Trump to reduce the influx of dangerous drugs into the United States, demonstrating a commitment to countering transnational crime.
As of the latest reports, no U.S. military forces have been harmed during these military engagements, indicating effective execution of operations without adverse impacts on U.S. personnel.