On Monday, the United States Southern Command revealed that U.S. forces had executed “lethal” strikes on several vessels linked to recognized terrorist groups, resulting in the deaths of at least eight individuals identified as narco-terrorists.

According to an announcement on X, these decisive actions took place on December 15. Under the orders of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear targeted three vessels in international waters, which were under the control of Designated Terrorist Organizations.

The strikes were prompted by intelligence reports that highlighted dubious activities in the Eastern Pacific. This area is notorious for its use as a corridor for narco-trafficking operations.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, seen here addressing a conference, has been a pivotal figure in directing these operations. (Omar Marques/Getty Images)

The intelligence confirmed suspicions, revealing that the vessels were indeed navigating through established narco-trafficking routes and actively involved in drug smuggling endeavors.

As a result of the strategic strikes, eight male individuals identified as narco-terrorists were neutralized—three from the first vessel, two from the second, and three from the third, according to the unit’s statement.