The United States military reported that it carried out three additional strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific, leaving eight people dead as part of the operation known as “Southern Spear.”

The action took place in waters near Colombia and was ordered by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, according to U.S. Southern Command.

Official statements released on social media said the strikes targeted three boats allegedly involved in drug smuggling. U.S. military intelligence claimed the vessels were traveling along well-known trafficking routes and were actively transporting drugs and weapons.

Three people were killed in the first boat, two in the second, and three in the third.

Washington stated that the attacks were directed at “designated terrorist organizations” posing a threat to regional security. However, no concrete evidence was provided to support the allegations of drug trafficking, beyond video footage showing the boats afloat before being hit and exploding.

Operation “Southern Spear” is part of a broader strategy aimed at disrupting narcotics flows and weakening criminal networks operating across maritime routes in the Caribbean and the eastern Pacific.

Pentagon officials argue that these actions are intended to undermine cartel logistics and reduce their operational capacity.

Trump’s opinion after the attack

President Donald Trump defended the strikes, describing them as a necessary escalation in what he called an “armed conflict” with drug cartels.

According to Trump, the campaign is essential to curb drug trafficking and the illegal flow of weapons into the United States.

The operation has drawn increasing scrutiny from lawmakers and human rights advocates. Since early September, at least 95 people have reportedly died in 25 similar strikes, raising concerns over legality, proportionality, and regional stability.

As the U.S. expands its military presence in the region to levels not seen in decades, the administration has signaled that further actions are possible, including ground operations, though no specific locations or timelines have been disclosed.