On December 18, 2025, the U.S. Southern Command announced that it had executed military strikes against two vessels in international waters, asserting that these vessels were engaged in narco-trafficking operations. The strikes reportedly resulted in the deaths of five individuals, contributing to a total of over 100 fatalities from similar operations since September 2025.

The military's claims are part of a broader anti-drug campaign initiated during the Trump administration, which has faced scrutiny for the lack of evidence supporting allegations of drug trafficking against the targeted vessels. Critics have raised concerns about the legality of these military actions, particularly in light of a controversial incident in September where a second strike targeted survivors of an initial attack on the same vessel, prompting allegations of potential war crimes.

The U.S. military stated that intelligence indicated the vessels were navigating known narco-trafficking routes. However, no concrete evidence has been provided to substantiate these claims. Videos released by the military showed the vessels before they were struck, but the context of their activities remains unclear.

President Trump has framed these military operations as necessary measures to combat drug trafficking, characterizing the situation as an 'armed conflict' with drug cartels. This framing has led to increased scrutiny from lawmakers, especially following the earlier strike that resulted in the deaths of two survivors clinging to wreckage.

On December 18, the House of Representatives rejected two resolutions proposed by Democratic members aimed at halting military hostilities against Venezuela and requiring Congressional approval for such actions, further complicating the legal landscape surrounding these military operations.