On December 22, a U.S. strike on an alleged Venezuelan drug boat in international waters killed one narco-terrorist, a move that coincided with President Donald Trump’s sharp warnings to the leaders of Venezuela and Colombia.
The Strike and Its Context
The U.S. military announced Monday night that a lethal strike on an alleged drug boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean resulted in the death of one “narco-terrorist.” The strike was carried out by Joint Task Force Southern Spear under the direction of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. According to U.S. Southern Command, the vessel was “transiting along known narco-trafficking routes” and was “engaged in narco-trafficking operations.” The vessel was described as a low-profile craft operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations, and intelligence confirmed it was moving through international waters.
U.S. Military Statements
On December 23, U.S. Southern Command posted on X:
> 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… pic.twitter.com/LGzEaQSTiR- U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) December 23, 2025
The Pentagon has repeatedly stated that targeted vessels are carrying narcotics to the United States. Since September, the U.S. has conducted more than two dozen strikes against alleged drug boats, killing over 100 people in the Pacific and Caribbean.
Trump’s Comments
Speaking to reporters Monday, Trump did not specify an “end game” for the region but issued a stern warning to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. He 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 whether 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 targeted Colombia’s leadership, calling President Gustavo Petro a “very bad, very bad guy, and he’s got to watch his a–.” He 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.”
Broader Implications
The strike and Trump’s remarks underscore a heightened U.S. focus on narco-terrorism in the western hemisphere. The U.S. Southern Command’s public messaging emphasizes the ongoing threat of drug trafficking to national security. Meanwhile, Trump’s public denouncements of Maduro and Petro signal a willingness to confront neighboring leaders who he perceives as hostile to U.S. interests. The combination of kinetic action and diplomatic warning illustrates the U.S. strategy of using both force and rhetoric to address perceived threats.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. struck an alleged Venezuelan drug boat on Dec. 22, killing one narco-terrorist.
- Trump warned Venezuelan President Maduro and Colombian President Petro on the same day.
- Since September, the U.S. has carried out over two dozen drug-boat strikes, killing more than 100 people.
The incident highlights the U.S. commitment to combating narco-terrorism while also engaging in pointed diplomatic messaging toward regional leaders.
