US Military Intensifies Anti-Drug Operations in Caribbean and Eastern Pacific
US airstrikes targeting alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific have continued since early September under the designation Operation Southern Spear. This campaign involves a substantial deployment of US military personnel and assets, marking the largest US military presence in and around Latin America in decades. On Sunday, the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier arrived in the Caribbean as part of this operation. The Trump administration has stated these strikes are intended to stem the flow of drugs into the United States. The campaign has generated discussion and concerns regarding its potential regional implications.
Rationale for Operations
President Trump and his administration have justified the strikes as a counter-drug measure aimed at preventing narcotics from reaching US streets. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that Operation Southern Spear seeks to remove "narco-terrorists from our hemisphere" and secure the US from "the drugs that are killing our people." The Pentagon has provided limited official information regarding the specific targets or their alleged affiliations with drug trafficking organizations. Hegseth and other officials have claimed some targets were linked to Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the Trump administration. The perceived impact of these strikes on the overall drug flow, a significant portion of which crosses the US-Mexico land border, has not been detailed by US officials.
Military Deployment Details
The US has deployed considerable military resources to the Caribbean and western Atlantic, within striking distance of Venezuela. BBC Verify identified 15 warships in the region, including the USS Gerald R Ford, which the US Navy describes as "the most capable, adaptable, and lethal combat platform in the world." The deployment also includes guided-missile destroyers and amphibious assault ships. US combat aircraft have been positioned at bases in Puerto Rico, and long-range bombers have operated near Venezuela's coastline. President Trump has confirmed authorizing the CIA to conduct covert actions in Venezuela, with the scope of these actions remaining classified.
Strike Statistics and Casualties
Between September 2 and November 16, US forces conducted at least 21 separate strikes against 22 vessels in international waters of the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. The majority of these operations occurred off the coasts of Venezuela and Colombia. US Southern Command reported a strike on Saturday in the eastern Pacific, which resulted in the deaths of three individuals described as "male narco-terrorists." Southern Command stated that intelligence confirmed the vessel was involved in illicit narcotics smuggling along a known route and carried narcotics. A video released by Southern Command showed the boat exploding in a fireball. In total, at least 83 individuals, all alleged "narco-terrorists," have been killed in these operations. An Associated Press investigation reported that several Venezuelan nationals killed were low-level traffickers, in addition to at least one local crime boss.
Legality and Scrutiny
The Trump administration has asserted the legality of the strikes, presenting them as a self-defense measure to protect American lives. In a confidential note to Congress, the administration argued that the US is engaged in an armed conflict with drug cartels, whom it considers "unlawful combatants," and whose drug trafficking activities "constitute an armed attack against the United States." Conversely, some legal experts have suggested the strikes could be illegal under international law, potentially violating due process for suspects and targeting civilians. Luis Moreno Ocampo, a former chief prosecutor at the International Criminal Court (ICC), stated his belief that the strikes could be considered crimes against humanity. Questions have also been raised regarding the White House's compliance with US law in authorizing the initial strikes, given that only Congress is authorized to declare war. In October, President Trump stated the US is "allowed" to strike vessels near Venezuela and mentioned the possibility of involving Congress if the campaign expands to land targets, adding, "We don't have to do that... But I think...I'd like to do that."
Concerns Regarding Venezuela
The military build-up has led to concerns about potential US actions against Venezuela, including the possibility of targeting the government of President Nicolás Maduro. On November 3, President Trump addressed the possibility of war with Venezuela in an interview, stating, "I doubt it." and "I don't think so," but added, "But they've been treating us very badly."