US Strike Kills Four on Alleged Drug Boat in Eastern Pacific
The US military carried out a strike Wednesday against an alleged drug-trafficking vessel in the eastern Pacific, killing four people, US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) said.
The command said the boat was operating along a known smuggling route and that no US forces were injured in the operation.
The strike marked the second this week and the 26th known operation in the region since September 2, bringing the reported death toll from the campaign to at least 99.
On Dec. 17, at the direction of @SecWar Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organizations in international waters. Intelligence confirmed that the vessel was transiting along a known… pic.twitter.com/Yhu3LSOyea
— U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) December 18, 2025
The Trump administration has expanded US naval and air deployments in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, arguing the campaign targets narco-trafficking networks it has designated as terrorist organizations.
House Blocks Effort to Limit Trump’s Military Actions Near Venezuela
The House on Wednesday narrowly rejected two measures that sought to restrict US President Donald Trump from launching further strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats or conducting military action against Venezuela without congressional approval.
The votes came as the Trump administration escalates military pressure in the region, including seizing an oil tanker, ordering a blockade of sanctioned Venezuelan oil shipments, and continuing drone strikes that have killed at least 99 people.
Supporters of the measures argued Congress must reassert its constitutional authority over war powers as Trump threatens potential land strikes in Venezuela. The administration maintains it does not need congressional approval for maritime drone strikes and says the campaign has disrupted drug trafficking.
🚨 BREAKING: House of Representatives rejects Democrat-led effort to preemptively disarm President Trump from defending America from narcoterrorists. pic.twitter.com/hzwXJET1DT
— House Foreign Affairs Committee Majority (@HouseForeignGOP) December 17, 2025
Republicans largely backed the president’s actions as lawful and effective, while critics questioned whether the operation targets narcotics or signals a broader push for regime change without congressional authorization.
Senators Block Coast Guard Nominee Over Hate Symbol Policy
Two US senators have placed holds on the nomination of Admiral Kevin Lunday to become Coast Guard commandant after the service adopted a workplace harassment policy that reclassified swastikas and nooses as “potentially divisive” rather than hate symbols.
Senators Tammy Duckworth and Jacky Rosen said the change raised serious concerns about the Coast Guard’s commitment to combating antisemitism and workplace harassment.
The policy, part of a broader manual overhaul following the removal of the previous commandant, allowed supervisors to review displays of such symbols instead of banning them outright.
NEWS | Adm Kevin Lunday’s promotion is frozen in Senate after @USCG enacted workplace harassment policy downgrading swastikas & nooses to “potentially divisive”
Follows @washingtonpost accountability reporting
By @TaraCopp @marianne_levine @mboorstein https://t.co/QfBD7i1nkq
— Andrew deGrandpré (@adegrandpre) December 17, 2025
Although Lunday publicly condemned the symbols and issued a directive prohibiting them, the policy went into effect without reflecting his guidance.
The senators said they will maintain their holds until the Coast Guard explains how the language was adopted and enforced.
Trump Announces $1,776 ‘Warrior Dividend’ for Service Members
US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the administration will send a $1,776 payment to about 1.45 million US military service members ahead of Christmas.
Trump described the payment as a “warrior dividend” during a prime-time White House address focused on highlighting his administration’s record and easing public concerns about the economy.
The one-time payment is tied symbolically to the year 1776 and represents a direct financial benefit for active-duty personnel.
WARRIOR DIVIDENDS ⚔️🇺🇸
“1,450,000 military service members will receive a special we call Warrior Dividend before Christmas… in honor of our nation’s founding in 1776, we are sending every soldier $1,776.” – President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/2SenJQT0xI
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) December 18, 2025
The administration did not provide additional details on eligibility or funding but said the payments are already being processed.
European Union Leaders Weigh Massive Loan Plan to Fund Ukraine
European Union leaders are meeting in Brussels to negotiate a large loan package to cover Ukraine’s military and financial needs for the next two years, with funding the top priority of the summit.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates Ukraine will need about 137 billion euros ($160 billion), and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has urged swift agreement as the war enters its fourth year.
This EUCO comes at a decisive time.
We have one ultimate goal: peace for Ukraine through strength.
And covering Ukraine’s financial needs for 2026-27 is essential for that.
Two proposals are on the table.
We agreed that we will find a solution today. pic.twitter.com/sVUStPaXxL
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) December 18, 2025
The proposal centers on lending up to 90 billion euros to Ukraine, potentially backed by frozen Russian assets held in Europe, a move that has divided member states. Belgium, Hungary, and Slovakia oppose using the assets, citing financial and political risks, while others back the plan.
With no consensus on alternative financing, leaders face intense negotiations to avoid a stalemate and secure continued support for Kyiv.
South Africa Raids US Refugee Center, Arrests Kenyan Workers
South African immigration authorities raided a US-linked refugee processing center in Johannesburg and arrested seven Kenyan nationals working there illegally, issuing deportation orders and five-year entry bans.
South Africa’s Home Affairs Ministry said the workers held tourist visas that did not allow employment and questioned US compliance with diplomatic protocol.
The United States called the action “unacceptable” and demanded clarification and cooperation.
BREAKING!! | South African Officials Raid #Refugee Processing Site in #Johannesburg pic.twitter.com/meEtcFQDyz
— Colonel (Ret) Chris Wyatt (@wmwchris) December 16, 2025
The center processes refugee applications from white South Africans prioritized under a Trump administration policy, a move that has strained US–South Africa relations. South African officials reject US claims that Afrikaners face persecution and say earlier visa requests for the Kenyan workers were denied.
The incident adds to broader diplomatic tensions after US aid cuts, criticism of South Africa’s foreign policy, and Washington’s decision to sharply limit refugee admissions while prioritizing white South Africans.
Modi Seeks Deeper India–Ethiopia Ties on First Visit
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a strategic partnership with Ethiopia during his first visit to the country, highlighting shared interests in development, sovereignty, and cooperation across the Global South.
Modi and Ethiopian leaders signed agreements covering peacekeeper training, education, counterterrorism, and the creation of a data center at Ethiopia’s foreign ministry, while also pledging support on debt relief under the G20 framework.
Ethiopia’s prime minister awarded Modi the country’s highest civilian honor, underscoring a warming relationship as Ethiopia looks to diversify partnerships after conflict and strained ties with the United States.
Landed in Addis Ababa a short while ago. Honoured by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali’s gesture of welcoming me at the airport. Ethiopia is a nation with great history and vibrant culture. India and Ethiopia share deep civilisational ties. I look forward to engaging with the… pic.twitter.com/VmItBETPKo
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 16, 2025
The visit comes as Ethiopia expands its role in BRICS and as India positions itself to strengthen influence in Africa ahead of hosting the next BRICS summit.
US Approves $10 Billion-Plus Arms Package for Taiwan
The Trump administration announced more than $10 billion in new arms sales to Taiwan, including missiles, artillery systems, drones, and military software, marking one of the largest US weapons packages for the island.
The State Department said the sales support US security interests and help Taiwan maintain a credible defensive capability amid rising pressure from China.
The package includes High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers, Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles, self-propelled howitzers, Javelin and TOW (Tube-launched, Optically-tracked, Wire-guided) missiles, drones, and related equipment.
The US announces another major arms sales to Taiwan, worth over US$10 billion. pic.twitter.com/QFVVbhxaJF
— TaiwanPlus News (@taiwanplusnews) December 18, 2025
Taiwan welcomed the decision, saying it strengthens deterrence and regional stability.
The announcement comes as Taiwan plans to sharply increase defense spending and as Congress advances legislation expanding US military support, moves that Beijing has strongly criticized.
China’s Newest Carrier Fujian Transits Taiwan Strait
China’s newest aircraft carrier, the Fujian (CV-18), sailed through the Taiwan Strait this week for the first time since its commissioning, prompting close monitoring by Taiwan’s military.
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said the carrier crossed the strait Tuesday without aircraft on board and that its forces tracked the transit.
The passage was followed by increased Chinese military activity near Taiwan, including 40 aircraft sorties and eight naval vessels operating around the island, with more than half of the aircraft crossing the median line.
The PLA Navy’s Fujian aircraft carrier (CV-18) transited the Taiwan Strait yesterday. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded. pic.twitter.com/qe6CzQqxKf
— 國防部 Ministry of National Defense, ROC(Taiwan) 🇹🇼 (@MoNDefense) December 17, 2025
The Fujian, China’s first carrier equipped with an electromagnetic catapult system, marks a significant advance in Beijing’s naval capabilities as cross-strait tensions continue.
Sources: News Agencies
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Morning Brief: Pentagon Hosts First Christmas Service, US Conducts 26th Anti-Drug Boat Strike, China’s Newest Carrier Fujian Transits Taiwan Strait
Pentagon hosts first Christmas service as China’s Fujian transit Taiwan Strait. Here’s your Thursday morning brief, December 18, 2025.
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