U.S. forces launched another strike against suspected cartel members in the Eastern Pacific on Monday, resulting in the deaths of two individuals linked to drug trafficking, according to the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM).
SOUTHCOM stated in a post on X, “We are adding systemic friction across the board to cartels.” Notably, on April 13, a directive from SOUTHCOM Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan led to a targeted attack on a vessel tied to a designated terrorist organization.
The post further explained, “Intelligence officials confirmed the vessel was operating along known drug trafficking routes and engaged in related activities.” In this operation, two male narco-terrorists lost their lives, while no U.S. personnel were harmed.
This attack came shortly after similar strikes against two other vessels linked to the same group just two days earlier.
Officials mentioned that those vessels were also known to be operating along established drug trafficking routes and were actively engaged in related activities.
While the first strike resulted in two fatalities, there were three casualties from the second strike, though one person survived the initial attack.
SOUTHCOM immediately requested the U.S. Coast Guard to conduct a search and rescue operation for the lone survivor. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported among U.S. troops involved in either operation.
This ongoing initiative is part of a larger U.S. military effort to disrupt networks associated with cartels that are now viewed through a lens of terrorism. The airstrike fell under Joint Task Force Southern Spear, which targets transnational criminal organizations operating along crucial maritime drug routes.
The Eastern Pacific remains a pivotal corridor for drug trafficking, and it’s noted that cartels often use small, speedy vessels to transport drugs toward the U.S. and Central America.
This operation reflects an aggressive strategy by the U.S. government, particularly during the Trump administration, which has broadened military actions against suspected drug traffickers beyond just law enforcement approaches.
SOUTHCOM has not disclosed further details about the identities of those killed or the particular groups involved in these operations.
The force is tasked with military operations throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, focusing on counternarcotics missions aimed at undermining drug trafficking that poses risks to U.S. interests.
The United States has executed numerous airstrikes against suspected drug-smuggling vessels recently as part of a broader initiative to dismantle cartel-related human trafficking networks and apply more pressure on transnational criminal organizations.
