U.S. Military Strikes Target Narco-Terrorists in Eastern Pacific

The United States Southern Command announced on December 15 that it conducted strikes against three vessels operated by designated terrorist organizations in the Eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of eight narco-terrorists.

Intelligence indicated that these vessels were engaged in narco-trafficking along known routes. Since operations began on September 2, the U.S. military has executed at least 25 strikes, killing a total of 95 alleged narco-terrorists, targeting groups such as Venezuela's Tren de Aragua and Colombia's Ejercito de Liberacion Nacional.

The strikes have raised concerns among some lawmakers and law-of-war experts regarding their legality under international law. These operations are part of a broader campaign aimed at curbing drug trafficking and its associated security threats.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth are set to brief Congress on these ongoing military actions, which have drawn scrutiny over their implications for international law and U.S. military engagement.