The US operation 'Southern Spear' aimed at striking ships has not…
The US operation 'Southern Spear' aimed at striking ships has not led to a reduction in drug trafficking, according to The Washington Post citing data from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Consensus
- The U.S. military operation against drug trafficking vessels began in September 2025.
- The operation has not reduced the volume of cocaine entering the United States.
- Drug traffickers have adapted their logistics by shifting from speedboats to larger ships and using coastal routes.
- Air transport, including secret airstrips near Colombia-Venezuela border, is being increasingly used for drug trafficking.
- Cocaine purity remains high, indicating stable supply chains.
- The operation has not affected cocaine prices in the U.S. market.
- At least 67 vessels suspected of transporting drugs were attacked by the U.S. military.
Points of divergence
- More than 200 people died as a result of U.S. airstrikes on drug traffickers' boats since May, according to The New York Times. — vesti
- On January 3, the U.S. conducted a military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture and extradition of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Silvia Flores to New York on charges including drug terrorism. — meduza
Coverage (4 sources)
- WP learns of US strikes on ships being ineffective in fighting drug trafficking — Вести
- US strikes on ships failed to yield results in the fight against drug trafficking — Коммерсантъ
- US operation against drug cartels yields no results; cocaine levels in the country may even have increased — Meduza
- US strikes on ships in international waters have not reduced cocaine supplies to the country — Коммерсантъ