U.S. Military Strikes Drug Boats, Death Toll Exceeds 100

The U.S. military has struck two more alleged drug-carrying boats in the Eastern Pacific, bringing the total death toll from the Trump administration's ongoing campaign to over 100. According to U.S. Southern Command, the strikes occurred on December 18, 2025, targeting vessels identified as operated by designated terrorist organizations.

The military stated that five male narco-terrorists were killed in the latest strikes, three in one boat and two in another. Since the operation began on September 2, 2025, a total of 104 individuals have been reported killed.

The U.S. administration has justified these operations as necessary actions in a 'non-international armed conflict' with drug cartels, despite bipartisan concerns regarding the legality and evidence for these strikes.

Efforts by Democrats in Congress to curtail the military actions have been repeatedly voted down by House Republicans. Additionally, the strikes have prompted criticism from the governments of Venezuela and Colombia, with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro suggesting that the operations are aimed at regime change.

President Trump has indicated the possibility of expanding the campaign to include strikes on land-based drug targets.