U.S. Airstrikes on Drug Trafficking Vessels

The U.S. Southern Command announced on Tuesday that it had conducted airstrikes targeting three vessels linked to a “designated terrorist organization” involved in drug trafficking.

Southcom reported that the airstrikes resulted in the deaths of 11 men. Military footage reveals the ships under fire, although the Pentagon has not disclosed the specific location of the strikes.

The statement from the command noted, “Late on February 16, following orders from Southcom Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear executed three targeted attacks against ships operated by terrorist groups. Intelligence indicated these vessels were navigating known drug trafficking routes and were actively involved in drug smuggling activities.”

Specifically, four individuals were killed on the first ship in the Eastern Pacific, another four on a second vessel in the same region, and three on the third ship in the Caribbean. Importantly, no U.S. personnel were harmed during this operation.

Southcom, which oversees military operations in Central and South America, is focused on disrupting drug trafficking networks that pose threats to U.S. interests.

This latest action increases the total to at least 41 airstrikes targeting suspected drug-smuggling vessels, resulting in approximately 144 deaths in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific as part of the initiative to dismantle narco-terrorism networks.

Monday night marked the seventh airstrike this year aimed at vessels believed to be involved in drug trafficking.

This situation continues to evolve, and further details will emerge.