Overview
- SOUTHCOM said Dec. 30 strikes targeted a convoy of three alleged drug-smuggling boats in international waters, killing three people on the first vessel as others on two boats jumped overboard before those craft were sunk.
- The Coast Guard activated search-and-rescue, deployed a C-130 and coordinated with nearby ships after reports that as many as eight people entered the water, with their status not yet known.
- Military posts asserted the boats had transferred narcotics and were operated by designated terrorist organizations, though no corroborating evidence or precise locations were released.
- Hours after announcing the convoy attack, SOUTHCOM said New Year’s Eve strikes hit two additional vessels and killed five more, bringing the tally to more than 30 boat strikes and at least 115 deaths since September.
- The actions, carried out by Joint Task Force Southern Spear at the direction of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, continue a campaign that has drawn legal scrutiny and congressional oversight over evidence, targeting and the handling of survivors.