The US military carried out a "lethal kinetic strike" on December 15 against three boats suspected of drug trafficking in international waters in the eastern Pacific. According to US Southern Command, eight men were killed during the operation. This strike targeted vessels traveling known drug routes. The US said intelligence showed the boats were run by groups it calls narco-terrorists. Three men died on the first boat, two on the second, and three on the third. All those killed were described as "male narco-terrorists." Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth directed the operation, marking a new push in the US fight against drug networks at sea. This action is part of a wider US campaign in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, especially near Venezuela. US forces have increased their naval presence while also using sanctions and seizing ships accused of carrying illegal oil and drugs. Officials say these moves aim to break the money sources for armed groups and hostile governments tied to narcotics smuggling.