The U.S. strike on a Venezuelan-linked drug boat came the same day President Donald Trump issued warnings to the presidents of Venezuela and Colombia, drawing attention to the United States’ intensified efforts against narcotics trafficking in international waters.
U.S. Military Strike
The U.S. military announced Monday night that a strike on an alleged drug boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean killed one “narco-terrorist.” The operation was part of a broader campaign targeting vessels suspected of transporting narcotics to the United States. According to the Pentagon, the United States has conducted more than two dozen strikes against alleged drug boats, killing over 100 people in the Pacific and Caribbean since September. The Southern Command’s post on X confirms the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes and engaged in narco-trafficking operations. A tweet from December 23, 2025, states that on Dec. 22, at the direction of @SecWar Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a low-profile vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations in international waters. Intelligence confirmed the low-profile vessel was transiting… The Pentagon has repeatedly said that targeted vessels are carrying narcotics to the United States.
Trump’s Statements
Speaking to reporters Monday, President Donald Trump did not specify an end game for the region but issued a warning to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Trump said, “He could do whatever he wants, it’s alright, whatever he wants to do,” and added, “If he wants to do something, if he plays tough, it’ll be the last time he’s ever able to play tough.” When asked if the goal was to force Maduro from power, Trump replied, “That’s up to him what he wants to do. I think it would be smart for him to do that.” Trump also directed his warning toward Colombia, calling President Gustavo Petro “no friend of the United States.” Trump described Petro as “He’s very bad, very bad guy, and he’s got to watch his a-,” and continued, “We love the Colombian people. I love the Colombian people. They’re great people, energetic, smart, great. But their new leader is a troublemaker, and he better watch it.”
Regional Implications
The strike and Trump’s comments came at a time of heightened tensions between the United States and several Latin American governments over narcotics trafficking. The Venezuelan government has repeatedly denied that its waters are being used by drug cartels, while the United States has maintained that the vessels were linked to narcotics smuggling. Colombia’s left-wing administration has been vocal in opposing U.S. military strikes on alleged drug vessels, arguing that such actions violate international law. The U.S. Southern Command’s statement emphasizes the strategic importance of disrupting narco-trafficking routes in the eastern Pacific. Analysts note that the U.S. has been conducting these strikes since September, targeting vessels that have been linked to drug smuggling operations across the Pacific and Caribbean. The use of lethal kinetic strikes is part of a broader U.S. strategy to reduce the flow of narcotics to the United States.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. strike on a Venezuelan-linked drug boat killed one narco-terrorist, marking another operation in a series of over two dozen strikes.
- President Trump issued warnings to Venezuelan President Maduro and Colombian President Petro, emphasizing the United States’ stance on narcotics trafficking.
- The Pentagon and Southern Command maintain that the vessels targeted are part of a broader network of designated terrorist organizations.
Closing
The events highlight the ongoing conflict between U.S. efforts to curb narcotics trafficking and the political stances of neighboring Latin American leaders. As the U.S. continues to conduct lethal strikes, the region remains on edge, with leaders and governments navigating the delicate balance between security and diplomacy. The situation will likely continue to evolve as the United States maintains its focus on disrupting narcotics supply chains in international waters. The statements by President Trump underscore a firm U.S. position that will influence future interactions with Venezuela and Colombia. Observers will monitor how the strike and presidential remarks affect regional politics and the broader fight against drug trafficking.
