Story perspectives

U.S. Military Strikes Drug Vessel Amid Venezuela Tensions

12/23/2025

Center

U.S. Military Strikes

The U.S. military struck an alleged drug-trafficking vessel in the eastern Pacific on December 22, 2022, killing one person.
This operation is part of a campaign against drug smuggling, with 29 strikes resulting in 105 deaths since early September 2022.
The Trump administration claims these actions target vessels linked to narcotics trafficking involving Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Critics, including lawmakers, question the legality and evidence supporting these strikes.
The U.S. has increased efforts to intercept oil tankers associated with Venezuela amid rising tensions.

Right

Hegseth Leads Strike

On December 22, 2025, Joint Task Force Southern Spear executed its 29th strike against drug traffickers, targeting a vessel linked to Designated Terrorist Organizations in international waters.
The operation was directed by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
The broader campaign has resulted in over 100 fatalities.
U.S. Southern Command emphasized ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the region amid rising tensions with Venezuela.

History

Historical Context

In 1989, the U.S. launched Operation Just Cause to depose Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega, who was implicated in drug trafficking. This operation involved over 27,000 troops and resulted in significant casualties. The current military actions against Nicolás Maduro's regime reflect a similar U.S. strategy targeting narcotics trafficking in Latin America, raising concerns about the legality and efficacy of such interventions.

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U.S. Military Strikes

The U.S. military struck an alleged drug-trafficking vessel in the eastern Pacific on December 22, 2022, killing one person.
This operation is part of a campaign against drug smuggling, with 29 strikes resulting in 105 deaths since early September 2022.
The Trump administration claims these actions target vessels linked to narcotics trafficking involving Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Critics, including lawmakers, question the legality and evidence supporting these strikes.
The U.S. has increased efforts to intercept oil tankers associated with Venezuela amid rising tensions.

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