A shadow war is unfolding in the Caribbean, as U.S. forces intensify operations against drug trafficking networks. The U.S. Southern Command recently released footage showcasing the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit preparing for continued engagement under Operation Southern Spear.
Since September, a series of bold actions have been undertaken, signaling a significant escalation in the fight against narcotics. These haven’t been limited to maritime interdictions; they’ve included the destruction of vessels used for smuggling and even direct strikes on land-based facilities within Venezuela.
The operations are designed to dismantle the infrastructure supporting the flow of illicit drugs into the United States. Recent successes include the confirmed destruction of 35 drug smuggling boats since early September, a clear demonstration of force and resolve.
The stakes are incredibly high. Authorities estimate at least 114 individuals involved in drug trafficking were neutralized throughout 2025 in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean, many suspected of moving the deadly synthetic opioid, fentanyl – recently classified as a weapon of mass destruction.
Marines are currently honing their skills at Camp Santiago in Puerto Rico, practicing with mortar systems and preparing for a range of scenarios. This training underscores a commitment to maintaining readiness and lethality in the region.
Operation Southern Spear, initiated in November, is a direct response to the growing threat of “narcoterrorism” in the Western Hemisphere. The goal is to protect the homeland by disrupting the criminal organizations fueling the drug trade.
The recent actions represent a clear message to those involved in drug trafficking: the U.S. is actively confronting the problem at its source, and will continue to do so with increasing intensity. The New Year began with a display of that commitment, as forces destroyed additional drug boats in a dramatic show of power.
This isn’t simply about seizing drugs; it’s about dismantling the networks that profit from human suffering and threaten national security. The focus remains on securing the region and safeguarding the United States from the devastating consequences of the illicit drug trade.
