In the Eastern Pacific, the U.S. military said a strike hit an alleged drug-running boat, killing four people described by the Pentagon and CBS News as narco-terrorists. The operation, announced December 17, 2025, is the 26th strike in a broader campaign against drug-trafficking vessels since September 2.
The vessel was reportedly operating in international waters off the Central American littoral, with no names released for the four victims. U.S. officials said the strike was conducted by the U.S. military (Pentagon and U.S. Southern Command) as part of a campaign to disrupt drug shipments en route to the United States and to pressure Nicolás Maduro’s government over narcotics trafficking. Reporting has indicated that the public has been informed through Pentagon statements and unclassified video of the vessel and strike, with outlets such as CBS News and PBS NewsHour covering the disclosures.
The operation has sparked debate in Congress, with House Republicans challenging Democratic-backed resolutions seeking authorization before continuing strikes, while supporters argue the measures are necessary to curb cartel activity. Those following the conflict note that the campaign aims to stem drug flows while carefully navigating questions of international law and sovereignty.
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