The US military has killed at least eight people in a series of controversial strikes on suspected drug trafficking vessels in the eastern Pacific Ocean, marking a significant escalation in regional hostilities and drawing fierce criticism from lawmakers.
Strikes Ordered by Secretary Hegseth
According to the US Southern Command, the lethal kinetic strikes were carried out on Monday, 15 December 2025, targeting three boats in international waters. The operation was conducted "at the direction" of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth by the Joint Task Force Southern Spear.
The military stated intelligence confirmed the vessels were operating along known narco-trafficking routes and were linked to Designated Terrorist Organisations. This latest action brings the total number of people killed in similar US military operations in recent weeks to a stark 95.
Mounting Political and Legal Backlash
The strikes have triggered immediate condemnation from senior US politicians and raised serious legal questions. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer led the charge, branding the administration's actions "rogue and reckless".
Following repeated demands for transparency, an all-Senators briefing has been scheduled for Tuesday, 16 December. Secretaries Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are expected to face intense scrutiny. "The American people deserve oversight. We intend to deliver it," Schumer declared.
Beyond Capitol Hill, United Nations and independent legal experts have warned the attacks could constitute extrajudicial killings. Hegseth himself is now facing direct accusations of war crimes from colleagues.
Broader Regional Tensions and a 'Weapon of Mass Destruction' Designation
These maritime strikes follow last week's seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker by US forces, further inflaming tensions. Venezuelan socialist president Nicolas Maduro has accused the US of fabricating a conflict to exploit his country's oil resources, a claim bolstered by reports that President Trump offered Maduro an ultimatum to step down.
The White House maintains the operations are necessary to combat "narco-terrorists" and stem drug smuggling. In a related move on Monday, President Trump signed an executive order designating the opioid fentanyl as a "weapon of mass destruction" and a "chemical weapon".
"There's no doubt that America's adversaries are trafficking fentanyl into the United States in part because they want to kill Americans," Trump stated. This designation could significantly widen the scope of the Pentagon's military powers to combat drug trafficking in the region, tasking the Secretary of Defense and Attorney General with exploring new resources for the fight.
