The United States has escalated its maritime offensive against alleged drug trafficking networks, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorizing lethal sea strikes under Operation Southern Spear. Intelligence-driven targeting in the Eastern Pacific has led to the destruction of multiple suspected narco vessels, pushing the confirmed death toll beyond ninety-five in what officials describe as a rapidly expanding campaign.At least three boats were destroyed in a single Eastern Pacific operation, killing eight individuals labeled by U.S. authorities as unlawful combatants. A separate December strike added four more fatalities aboard a suspected smuggling craft. WATCH