US Military Conducts Kinetic Strike in SOUTHCOM Area Targeting Alleged Drug Traffickers
The operation targeted a vessel in international waters transporting illegal narcotics, resulting in three male individuals killed and no reported harm to U.S. personnel.
WESTERN HEMISPHERE — On September 15, U.S. military forces conducted a kinetic strike in the United States Southern Command area of responsibility against individuals alleged to be involved in drug trafficking activities linked to Venezuela.
The operation targeted a vessel in international waters transporting illegal narcotics, resulting in three male individuals killed and no reported harm to U.S. personnel. Official statements from the White House and Department of Defense describe the action as part of efforts to address narcotics flows contributing to public health challenges in the United States.
The strike aligns with designations of certain Venezuelan-linked groups as foreign terrorist organizations by the State Department. Venezuelan President Maduro denounced the action as aggression in a statement on September 15, 2025.
