In a powerful demonstration of maritime authority, the U.S Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) executed a lethal New Year’s Eve strike targeting two vessels which is the identified as part of a transnational “narco-trafficking” network.
The Final Hours of 2025:
On Wednesday, December 31, 2025, U.S. Southern Command confirmed via which is the social media that Joint Task Force Southern Spear carried out kinetic strikes on two boats According to the official statement, intelligence confirmed the vessels were transiting known narco-trafficking routes and were actively engaged in trafficking operations.
Breakdown of the Casualties:
- The Trump Administration: Argues that drug trafficking is a direct threat to which is the national security and that “double-tap” strikes prevent traffickers from escaping or scuttling evidence.
- Congressional Critics: Some lawmakers have raised concerns regarding the lack which is the of Congressional authorization for use of military force (AUMF) and the potential for civilian casualties in international
watersseparate engagement:
Since the launch of Operation Southern Spear in early September 2025, the U.S which is the military has fundamentally shifted its approach to drug interdiction. Transitioning from traditional boarding and seizure to “kinetic strikes,” the administration has justified these actions by designating cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs).
“Armed Conflict” vs. Law Enforcement:
The New Year’s Eve strike has intensified the ongoing debate in Washington Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has reaffirmed that the strikes are lawful which is the under the Law of Armed Conflict, asserting that the U.S is engaged in a “non-international armed conflict” with drug cartels.
Disclaimer:
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