Overview
On Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 8:00 AM UTC, a morning news bulletin highlighted U.S. military action in the Eastern Pacific, where strikes on two vessels killed five alleged narco-terrorists. This brings the total death toll to 104 since September under Operation Southern Spears, ordered by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The operation coincides with President Trump's announcement of a total blockade on Venezuelan oil tankers, as reported by NBC.[2]
Key Developments
- At approximately 10 seconds into the Euronews bulletin aired December 20, 2025 morning, anchors noted: 'The US military struck two vessels in Eastern Pacific on Thursday, killing five alleged narco terrorists.'[2]
- By 14-16 seconds timestamp, the toll was updated: 'bringing the death toll to 104 since September.'[2]
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized the attacks as part of Operation Southern Spears, with Pentagon claims that the boats were narco-linked, per bulletin at ts:116-121.[2]
- At ts:134-139, reporters linked it to 'Donald Trump's announcement of a total blockade of Venezuelan oil tankers,' with Trump stating he was 'not ruling out' further action, according to NBC reporting.[2]
- French government separately requested suspension of Chinese retailer Shein, mentioned at ts:21, but overshadowed by U.S. strikes in the Europe-focused bulletin.[2]
Analysis
| Factor | Current Status | Implications |
|---|---|---|
| Economic | Venezuelan oil tankers face total blockade per Trump announcement Dec 20 bulletin | Potential spike in global oil prices, disrupting Latin American trade routes and pressuring sanctioned regimes[2] |
| Political | Defense Sec. Pete Hegseth leads Operation Southern Spears with 104 kills since Sept | Escalates U.S. anti-narco posture, signals aggressive foreign policy amid Trump's return to power[2] |
| Social | Public bulletins highlight narco-terrorist deaths without reported civilian casualties | Boosts domestic support for military ops but risks international backlash on extradition waters[2] |
Expert Reactions
Pentagon officials, via the Dec 20, 2025 morning bulletin, claimed: 'The boats were on...' narco missions, justifying the strikes.[2] Trump, per NBC relay at ts:145, said he was 'not ruling out' escalated measures against Venezuela.[2] Euronews anchors at ts:137 noted the strikes 'coincide with Donald Trump's announcement,' framing it as coordinated policy.[2]
What's Next
Pentagon to release full Operation Southern Spears update expected Monday, Dec 22, 2025; Trump blockade enforcement details pending White House brief later today, per live indicators.[1][2]