Trump’s Boat Strike Campaign: A Deeper Look into Operation Southern Spear

Tue Nov 18 2025 12:30:38 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

US airstrikes against alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific continue under Operation Southern Spear, raising questions about legality and the implications for US-Venezuela relations.

Since early September, the US has ramped up military operations in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, termed Operation Southern Spear, targeting alleged drug traffic. With significant naval resources deployed and ongoing airstrikes, the Trump administration asserts these measures are necessary to combat narco-terrorism and secure the US. However, the legality of these strikes is under scrutiny, as concerns grow regarding their impact on civilians and the potential for escalating conflicts in the region.

Trump’s Boat Strike Campaign: A Deeper Look into Operation Southern Spear

US airstrikes against alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific have continued unabated since early September - a deadly campaign now dubbed Operation Southern Spear. Tens of thousands of troops and substantial air and naval assets have been deployed to the region, collectively forming the largest US military presence in and around Latin America in decades. On Sunday, the US military confirmed the world's largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R Ford, had arrived in the Caribbean.

The Trump administration argues the strikes are necessary to stem the flow of drugs to the US. However, they have been controversial and sparked fears of a wider conflict in the region.

Why is the US conducting strikes?

President Trump and members of his administration have justified the strikes as a necessary counter-drug measure to stem the flow of narcotics from Latin America to US streets. In a statement, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said that the campaign is aimed at removing narco-terrorists from our hemisphere and securing the US from the drugs that are killing our people. But little information about the targets or the organizations allegedly involved has been officially released by the Pentagon.

Where are US military units?

The US has deployed substantial strike power in the Caribbean and western Atlantic within striking distance of Venezuela. BBC Verify has identified 15 warships in the region, including the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier. The deployment also includes a range of guided-missile destroyers and amphibious assault ships capable of landing thousands of troops.

Are these boat strikes legal?

The Trump administration has insisted that the strikes are legal, justifying them as necessary self-defense measures aimed at saving American lives. However, some legal experts argue the strikes could violate international law by targeting civilians without due process. Critics also question whether the White House complied with US law in initially authorizing the strikes.

Is the US preparing to attack Venezuela?

The buildup has prompted concerns that the US may prepare to directly target Venezuela or try to topple the left-wing socialist government of President Nicolás Maduro. While Trump downplayed the possibility of war, he suggested that Maduro's days as president were numbered.

How has Maduro responded?

The Maduro government has accused the US of stoking tensions, prompting military readiness exercises in Venezuela. Maduro called for peace and warned against US involvement in the country’s future.