U.S. Strikes Drug-Running Boat in Eastern Pacific, Killing Four

Overview

• The Dec. 4 strike was conducted by Joint Task Force Southern Spear under Secretary Pete Hegseth’s direction, according to U.S. Southern Command.
• Military statements say the vessel operated for a Designated Terrorist Organization and was carrying illicit narcotics on a known trafficking route.
• The action is part of Operation Southern Spear, announced in mid‑November to target maritime narcotics networks in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean.
• Reporting from multiple outlets tallies more than 20 boats struck and over 80 fatalities overall, with one count citing 22 attacks and 87 deaths.
• The White House attributes a disputed second bombardment on survivors to Admiral Frank M. Bradley and says it was lawful self‑defense, while Hegseth publicly backs Bradley and the admiral has denied ordering the killing of everyone aboard.