US Military Launches New Vessel Attacks in Eastern Pacific, Killing Eight

Updated by Eric Kikomeko at 0905 EAT on Tuesday 16 December 2025

The United States says it has killed eight people in new attacks on vessels in the eastern Pacific Ocean, just days after US forces seized a Venezuelan oil tanker amid Washington’s expanding military presence in Latin America.

In a statement posted on social media, US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) said “lethal kinetic strikes” were carried out against three vessels in international waters on Monday, acting on the orders of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) said eight people were killed in the latest strikes, with three aboard the first vessel, two on the second, and three on the third. The military asserted—without providing evidence—that those killed were connected to drug trafficking.

Since September, at least 90 people have been killed in similar US attacks on dozens of vessels in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea near Venezuela. International law experts have raised concerns that the operations may constitute extrajudicial killings, questioning their compliance with international legal standards governing the use of force.

The Pentagon has deployed warships, a submarine, drones, and fighter jets to the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico, describing the buildup as part of efforts to counter drug smuggling in the region.

Venezuela has disputed that rationale, saying the attacks and expanded US military presence are aimed at enabling “external powers to rob Venezuela’s immeasurable oil and gas wealth.” The statement follows the seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker off the country’s coast last week, after which President Donald Trump told reporters, “I assume we’re going to keep the oil.”

The latest attacks on vessels in Latin American waters come as the United States continues to expand its military footprint in the region surrounding Venezuela. On Monday, Trinidad and Tobago said it had authorised US military aircraft to use its airports.

In a statement, the government of Trinidad and Tobago said it had given the green light for US forces to access its airports “in the coming weeks” for what it described as logistical operations, including supply replenishment and routine personnel rotations.

According to Al Jazeera, the Caribbean island nation—located just 12 kilometres (7.4 miles) from Venezuela at its closest point—has expressed support for the US military buildup in the region, setting it apart from several Central and South American governments that have voiced concern over Washington’s actions.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, has defended the stance, saying she would rather see drug traffickers “blown to pieces” than have them kill citizens of her country.

In response, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro said on Monday that his government would halt gas supplies to Trinidad and Tobago, according to the Venezuelan state television channel Telesur.

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