The US forces have carried out strikes against three boats in the Eastern Pacific Ocean as part of an ongoing maritime security operation, according to US officials.
As disclosed, the US conducted lethal kinetic strikes against three vessels in international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean on December 15, 2025, the US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) announced in an official release.
The operations were executed under the direction of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth by Joint Task Force Southern Spear. According to SOUTHCOM, the targeted vessels were operated by groups designated as terrorist organizations and were transiting along established narco-trafficking routes.
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On Dec. 15, at the direction of @SecWar Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted lethal kinetic strikes on three vessels operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations in international waters. Intelligence confirmed that the vessels were transiting along known… pic.twitter.com/IQfCVvUpau
US authorities confirmed that casualties were reported. Across the three separate kinetic strikes, eight male combatants were killed: three aboard the first vessel, two on the second, and three on the third. The operation was conducted in accordance with established rules of engagement, it was emphasized.
While specific platforms involved in the strikes were not disclosed, the US said the action formed part of broader efforts to maintain security and counter illicit activity in the maritime regions. Operations in the Eastern Pacific routinely involve joint and combined naval and air assets, supporting missions such as counter-narcotics, maritime interdiction, and regional stability.
SOUTHCOM’s Joint Task Force Southern Spear has been conducting multi-domain counter-narco operations that combine intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance with precision strike capabilities.
In October 2025, SOUTHCOM established a new Joint Task Force under the II Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF) to synchronize and augment counternarcotics efforts, integrating expeditionary marine capabilities with joint force and interagency partners to detect, disrupt and dismantle illicit trafficking networks.
The task force emphasizes expanded real-time intelligence fusion and interoperability with partner nations, as well as enhanced maritime patrols and aerial surveillance.
The strikes also tie into Operation Southern Spear, a US naval initiative advancing the US Navy’s hybrid fleet concept by deploying robotic and autonomous systems alongside manned forces.
Originally introduced earlier in 2025, the operation aims to improve maritime domain awareness and counternarcotics response by combining unmanned surface vessels, small robotic interceptor boats and unmanned air assets with traditional naval platforms.