A recent assault on a drug-trafficking vessel resulted in the death of one male narco-terrorist, while two others managed to survive, according to the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM).
This incident marks the latest military action associated with Operation Southern Spear, a comprehensive U.S. initiative aimed at countering narco-terrorism. SOUTHCOM announced the details, clarifying that the operation was executed by the Joint Task Force Southern Spear, directed by Commander Francis L. Donovan.
In terms of situational awareness, SOUTHCOM reported that intelligence had confirmed the ship was navigating well-known drug trafficking routes in the eastern Pacific and was actively involved in drug-related activities.
“In the course of this engagement, one male narco-terrorist was killed, and two survived,” the statement revealed. “Subsequently, USSOUTHCOM reached out to the U.S. Coast Guard to initiate search and rescue operations for the survivors. There were no reported casualties among U.S. forces.”
SOUTHCOM also shared a brief unclassified video highlighting the operation on social media platforms.
Since the inception of Operation Southern Spear last year, more than 60 assaults on drug-trafficking vessels in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean regions have taken place. Reports indicate that at least 208 individuals identified as narco-terrorists have been killed during these airstrikes. Notably, Tuesday’s incident was the second publicized operation in June. Earlier, on June 3rd, another drug-trafficking ship was targeted, resulting in the deaths of two additional narco-terrorists.
“Drug cartels and narco-terrorist factions operate throughout the Western Hemisphere, involved in illegal drug production, human trafficking, arms dealing, and other illicit activities, significantly contributing to regional violence and instability,” SOUTHCOM stated. “In alignment with the President’s directives, our efforts involve deploying joint task forces while collaborating internationally to identify, disrupt, and dismantle these dangerous networks through operations like Operation Southern Spear.”
As part of the broader strategy to combat cartel activities across the Americas, General Donovan recently visited Guatemala, where he met with President Bernardo Arevalo and other officials. This meeting was intended to strengthen the defense partnership between the U.S. and Guatemala under the anti-cartel initiative known as Shield of the Americas, which was established during the Trump administration.
“General Donovan’s visit underscores the U.S. acknowledgment of Guatemala’s pivotal role in addressing narco-terrorism and preventing safe havens in the region. The country’s recent achievements in this realm showcase its commitment and leadership,” SOUTHCOM commented on June 4.
“In line with President Trump’s America First policy and at the direction of the U.S. Department of the Army, SOUTHCOM is intensifying collaboration with committed partners in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean to detect, disrupt, and dismantle violent cartels and U.S.-designated terrorist groups that pose threats to our citizenry and common security,” the statement added.
Notably, General Donovan’s recent trip to Guatemala followed a reported agreement allowing U.S. military forces to carry out joint operations against drug lords within Guatemalan boundaries. In March, a similar arrangement was confirmed with Ecuador’s President Daniel Novoa. This week, Novoa engaged in talks with Army Secretary Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon regarding mutual cooperation in tackling narco-terrorism and illegal mining activities perpetrated by organized crime in Ecuador.
