US Forces Conduct Lethal Strike on Vessel Linked to Narco-Trafficking in Eastern Pacific, Killing Two on Monday
- Military conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean on Monday, killing two individuals suspected of involvement in narco-terrorism operations, according to U.S.
- USSOUTHCOM stated that intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes and was engaged in illicit trafficking activities.
- Southern Command showed the small boat being destroyed in an explosion, which the military labeled as unclassified.
The U.S. Military conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean on Monday, killing two individuals suspected of involvement in narco-terrorism operations, according to U.S. Southern Command.
USSOUTHCOM stated that intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes and was engaged in illicit trafficking activities. The strike was carried out by Joint Task Force Southern Spear under the direction of Gen. Francis L. Donovan.
A video released by U.S. Southern Command showed the small boat being destroyed in an explosion, which the military labeled as unclassified. The command said no U.S. Forces were harmed during the operation.
The strike is part of an ongoing campaign targeting alleged drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. Since September, the operation has resulted in the deaths of at least 178 people, according to military reports.
In at least six prior incidents, individuals have survived strikes on suspected narco-trafficking boats, prompting search-and-rescue efforts. In one October operation, two survivors were rescued by a Navy helicopter and repatriated to Ecuador and Colombia.
U.S. Officials maintain that the strikes are necessary to prevent the influx of illegal drugs into the United States and assert they are conducted in accordance with the laws of conflict, citing a state of war with drug cartels.
However, legal experts and human rights advocates have criticized the campaign, arguing that the military lacks sufficient evidence to confirm the vessels’ involvement in drug trafficking and that the strikes may violate domestic and international law. Families of two Trinidadian nationals killed in a prior strike have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Government over the incident.
USSOUTHCOM emphasized that its targeting decisions are based on a rigorous intelligence process involving multi-source surveillance and reconnaissance, though specific sources and methods are not disclosed for operational security reasons.
The military continues to monitor and interdict suspected narco-trafficking vessels in the region, with strikes typically announced via social media posts accompanied by low-resolution video footage of the engagements.