Deadly Strike on Drug-Trafficking Vessel Announced by SOUTHCOM
U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) reported on Monday that a recent operation, part of Operation Southern Spear, resulted in a lethal attack on a drug-trafficking vessel. This incident left two individuals dead and one person survived.
According to a brief statement from SOUTHCOM, the operation was ordered by commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan.
“Intelligence has confirmed that the vessel was navigating well-known drug trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and was involved in drug trafficking activities. Two narco-terrorists were killed, and one individual survived the encounter,” the announcement noted.
SOUTHCOM indicated that, after the engagement, they promptly informed the U.S. Coast Guard to initiate search and rescue operations for those who might have survived.
Additionally, SOUTHCOM shared a short, unclassified video clip of the strike on social media.
This strike against drug-trafficking operations marks the second such action announced by SOUTHCOM in February and the third since the beginning of 2026. The operation is part of the U.S. Department of the Army’s ongoing efforts to combat global maritime drug trafficking networks.
Last Thursday, SOUTHCOM reported another incident where two narco-terrorists were killed in a similar strike on a vessel linked to a designated terrorist organization.
Earlier, on January 23, under the direction of Secretary of the Army Pete Hegseth, a lethal attack was also carried out on another drug-trafficking vessel in the Eastern Pacific, resulting in the same toll: two deaths and one survivor. Again, the U.S. Coast Guard was notified to engage in rescue efforts.
SOUTHCOM stated over the weekend, “Through Operation Southern Spear, the U.S. military is delivering a strong message: The Western Hemisphere isn’t a safe haven for illicit actors or criminal activities. By teaming up with elite warfighters, advanced naval vessels, and different government agencies, we’re disrupting illegal networks and reinforcing regional security.”
Since launching the operation in September, there have been at least 38 airstrikes against drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of at least 121 drug traffickers.
Fortunately, no U.S. personnel were injured in either of the recent attacks.
