Senator Tim Kaine Calls for End to Operation Southern Spear

Senator Tim Kaine has called for the immediate termination of Operation Southern Spear, a military campaign targeting alleged drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. In a letter to President Donald Trump, Kaine alleged that the U.S. military exceeded legal targeting parameters and killed individuals not involved in narcotrafficking, describing some of the casualties as "murder victims." Kaine based his claims on a review of classified briefings and a Department of Justice memorandum.

Launched in September 2025, the operation has resulted in at least 221 deaths and the destruction of approximately 67 vessels. Reports indicate the campaign has cost between $647 million and $820 million. Specific allegations include the death of Colombian fisherman Alejandro Carranza. While operations have been paused since June 21, 2026, the Trump administration maintains the U.S. is in an "armed conflict" with cartels, allowing targets to be treated as unlawful combatants.

White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly and officials including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the strikes as lawful and based on intelligence. President Donald Trump claimed on Truth Social that the operations stopped 98.2% of drugs entering the U.S. by sea, though no evidence has been provided to support this figure.