Operation Southern Spear

Operation Southern Spear is a US military campaign, initiated under the Trump administration, targeting vessels suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. The operation has involved numerous strikes against these alleged drug boats, resulting in a significant number of fatalities. Recent reports indicate that the US military has conducted multiple attacks, leading to the deaths of over 160 people since the campaign's inception. The operation is newsworthy due to the high death toll and questions surrounding the justification for the strikes. The US has also seized a Venezuelan oil tanker under sanctions, further escalating tensions. President Trump has linked Venezuela to drug overdose deaths and other criminal activities to justify the operation. The Ecuadorian military's discovery of a large 'narco-submarine' highlights the scale of drug trafficking in the region, adding context to the US military's actions.