Operation Southern Spear: U.S. Military Campaign Against Narco-Terror Networks

Operation Southern Spear: U.S. Military Campaign Against Narco-Terror Networks

Operation Southern Spear is a comprehensive military and surveillance campaign announced by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on November 13, 2025, targeting what the Trump administration designates as “narco-terrorists” across the Western Hemisphere, particularly in the Caribbean and Latin American regions.

Overview and Authorization

The operation was directly ordered by President Donald Trump and represents a formal escalation of ongoing U.S. military operations in the region. The campaign operates under the legal framework of anti-terrorism authority, similar to powers invoked after September 11, 2001, which the Trump administration argues does not require formal congressional declaration of war. This legal positioning has drawn significant criticism from lawmakers and international observers who question whether proper constitutional procedures are being followed.​​

Leadership and Structure

Operation Southern Spear is led by Joint Task Force Southern Spear (part of U.S. Marine Corps II MEF) in coordination with U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) and the U.S. Fourth Fleet. Headquarters are established at Naval Station Mayport in Florida, with operations commencing in November 2025. The operation operates under the broader “Hybrid Fleet Campaign,” integrating both manned and unmanned systems to maximize operational effectiveness across multiple warfare domains.​​

Military Deployment

The operation involves a substantial military buildup in the Caribbean region, including deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest and most advanced aircraft carrier. More than a dozen U.S. Navy vessels are currently operating in the area, supported by Marines conducting specialized training operations on designated vessels. The operation emphasizes robotic and autonomous systems (RAS), including long-dwell robotic surface vessels, small robotic interceptor boats, and vertical take-off and landing robotic air vessels to enhance maritime domain awareness and surveillance capabilities.​​

Operational Record

As of mid-November 2025, the operation has conducted 20 total kinetic strikes on alleged drug-trafficking vessels across the Caribbean and Pacific regions, with reported casualty figures reaching approximately 79 to 80 personnel killed and two wounded who were repatriated. The Pentagon officially confirmed that on November 10, 2025, one strike resulted in four deaths with no survivors.​

Stated Objectives

According to Defense Secretary Hegseth’s official announcement, the operation aims to:​​

• Defend the U.S. homeland from narco-terrorist threats

• Remove narco-terrorist networks from the Western Hemisphere

• Prevent drug trafficking into the United States

• Protect American citizens from drugs “killing our people”

The administration characterizes narco-terrorists as organizations operating at the intersection of criminal and military capabilities, arguing they function similarly to designated terrorist organizations like ISIS and Al-Qaeda rather than as purely criminal entities.​

Controversial Aspects and International Concerns

The operation has generated substantial controversy both domestically and internationally:​

Lack of Transparency: The Pentagon has not provided comprehensive evidence identifying specific targets or confirming that those killed were combatants. The administration has not demonstrated direct connections between targeted vessels and cartel activity.​

Congressional Concerns: Multiple U.S. lawmakers have flagged insufficient transparency, evidence, and the absence of formal congressional authorization. Democrats have particularly questioned the legality of the naval strikes and the administration’s invocation of war powers without proper constitutional procedures.​

International Condemnation: The U.N. Human Rights Chief has condemned the strikes as unlawful extrajudicial killings. Mexico, Colombia, and the European Union have expressed concerns, and the United Kingdom reportedly halted intelligence sharing on drug trafficking vessels due to concerns about the U.S. operations.​

Factual Disputes: Experts note that Venezuela is not America’s top illegal narcotics supplier, contradicting a core justification for targeting Venezuelan vessels. President Nicolás Maduro has repeatedly rejected U.S. allegations.​

Expansion Potential

President Trump has signaled that land-based operations targeting narco-terrorists remain under consideration. Senior military officials presented updated options for possible attacks on Venezuelan territory, though no formal decision has been announced. Trump stated that “land will be next” in expanding military operations beyond maritime strikes.​

Strategic Context

The operation coincides with heightened U.S.-Venezuela tensions and follows Venezuela’s military mobilization in response to the U.S. military buildup. Russia has offered support to Venezuela to counter potential U.S. military interventions, further elevating regional tensions.