On Thursday, October 20, the US Southern Command announced that it conducted an attack on a vessel suspected of being involved with drug trafficking in the Pacific Ocean, leading to the death of three individuals. This operation was characterized as part of a broader military effort targeting alleged narcotraffickers operating under terrorist classifications, according to US intelligence reports. The attack marks the 42nd action taken by US forces in the Pacific and Caribbean since September 2025, contributing to a total of 138 fatalities over these operations.

The US military stated that no American personnel were injured in this operation. However, the ongoing military actions have drawn criticism from various experts and international organizations, including the United Nations, who question the legality and effectiveness of such interventions. The situation has gained additional scrutiny following the recent political changes in Venezuela, specifically the capture of dictator Nicolás Maduro on January 3, which has altered the dynamics of US military involvement in the region since January.

As of March 2023, US attacks have reportedly resumed with increased intensity, following a brief hiatus after Maduro's capture. This resurgence in attacks includes at least five operations within the current month, suggesting a sustained commitment by the United States to assert control over drug trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific, despite the criticisms it faces from various sectors regarding the implications of its military actions in the area.