Tue Dec 16 05:04:34 UTC 2025: Summary:
The U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) reported conducting “lethal kinetic strikes” on three vessels in international waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing eight people. SOUTHCOM claims the individuals were linked to drug trafficking, though no evidence was provided. This is part of a pattern of similar attacks that have resulted in at least 90 deaths since September, raising concerns about extrajudicial killings. These attacks occur amidst an increasing U.S. military presence in Latin America, including the recent seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker and the authorization from Trinidad and Tobago for U.S. military aircraft to use its airports for logistical operations. Venezuela has condemned the U.S. actions as a ploy to seize Venezuelan oil and gas. Trinidad and Tobago’s support for the U.S. buildup has led to Venezuela threatening to cut off gas supplies to the island nation.
News Article:
U.S. Strikes Kill Eight in Eastern Pacific, Tensions Rise with Venezuela
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. military announced it conducted “lethal kinetic strikes” on three vessels in the eastern Pacific Ocean on Monday, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals. U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) stated the strikes targeted vessels allegedly linked to drug trafficking, though specific evidence has not been released.
“Three in the first vessel, two in the second and three in the third,” SOUTHCOM said in a statement released yesterday.
These strikes are the latest in a series of operations in the region, which, according to reports, have resulted in at least 90 deaths since September. These actions have drawn criticism from international law experts, who have raised concerns about extrajudicial killings by the U.S. military.
The incidents occur against a backdrop of escalating U.S. military presence in Latin America, including the recent seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker. This buildup includes the use of Trinidad and Tobago’s airports for “logistical” operations, a move greenlit by the Caribbean nation and is only 12 km from Venezuela at its closest point, which will be used for “facilitating supply replenishment and routine personnel rotations”.
Venezuela has vehemently condemned the U.S. actions, accusing Washington of attempting to seize the country’s oil and gas reserves. In response to Trinidad and Tobago’s support for the U.S. military buildup, Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro has threatened to cut off gas supplies to the island nation.
The situation continues to escalate tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, raising concerns about further destabilization in the region. U.S. lawmakers have questioned Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on his role in ordering the attacks. The Pentagon maintains that the military presence in the region is aimed at combating drug smuggling.
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