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Pentagon Blends War on Drugs with Counterterrorism

May 26, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

The US has blended the war on drugs with counterterrorism.
Operation Southern Spear targets boats carrying drugs.
The US has conducted 57 strikes, killing 200 people.
The strategy may not be reducing drug trafficking effectively.

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Strategic Implications

This approach may indicate a shift in US priorities, but it could also create more problems than it solves. The strategy suggests a focus on military solutions, which may not be effective in addressing the root causes of drug trafficking, and could lead to unintended consequences such as increased civilian casualties.

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What Happened

US Strategy May Not Be Working As Intended Abroad

The US Pentagon has been blending the war on drugs with counterterrorism, with the Trump administration increasing the US military’s role in the counter-drug fight. Operation Southern Spear has resulted in 57 strikes, killing approximately 200 people, but the strategy’s effectiveness in reducing drug trafficking is questionable. According to Daniel DePetris, writing for the Chicago Tribune, the approach may not be working as intended, and a better strategy should focus on addressing the root causes of drug trafficking rather than relying solely on military solutions.

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