On November 14, 2025, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the initiation of Operation Southern Spear, a military operation targeting drug trafficking networks, referred to by the U.S. government as 'narco-terrorists.' This operation is led by the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) and aims to protect the U.S. homeland from the influx of illegal drugs, which contribute to domestic fatalities.

The operation coincides with a significant increase in U.S. military presence in Latin America, including the deployment of warships, fighter jets, and surveillance aircraft. The USS Gerald R. Ford, the largest aircraft carrier in the world, has been dispatched to the region, reflecting a military buildup not seen in decades. Hegseth emphasized the operation's goal of dismantling drug trafficking networks, which he claims pose a threat to American communities.

Recent military actions have included multiple strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking, resulting in fatalities. Reports indicate that approximately 80 individuals have been killed in these operations since the beginning of the counternarcotics campaign in early September. Critics have raised concerns regarding the lack of evidence supporting claims that these vessels were engaged in illegal activities, questioning the legal justification for such lethal operations.

The escalation of military actions in Latin America is part of a broader historical context, with U.S. military involvement in the region dating back to the War on Drugs initiated in the early 1970s. This approach has often resulted in significant violence and loss of life, raising humanitarian concerns about the effectiveness and morality of militarized strategies against drug trafficking. Critics argue that these policies have exacerbated violence and instability, failing to achieve their intended goals.

In response to the U.S. military presence, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has accused the U.S. of using drug trafficking narratives as a pretext for aggression, asserting that the military buildup threatens Venezuela's sovereignty. In turn, Venezuela has mobilized nearly 200,000 troops for exercises aimed at enhancing its readiness against perceived threats. The implications of these military operations for human rights and regional stability remain a pressing concern as the U.S. continues to engage in military actions in Latin America.