U.S. Forces Target Drug-Traffickers in Pacific
U.S. forces executed a “lethal kinetic attack” on a drug-trafficking vessel in the eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of three male narco-terrorists, according to a statement from U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) on Sunday.
SOUTHCOM noted that the operation was conducted by Joint Task Force Southern Spear under the command of General Francis L. Donovan.
“Intelligence has indicated that the ship was engaged in drug trafficking activities along established routes in the Eastern Pacific Ocean,” the statement highlighted.
“The operation led to the death of three male narco-terrorists, with no injuries reported among U.S. forces,” it concluded.
SOUTHCOM has made available unclassified footage of the strike on its platforms.
This recent strike marks another instance of military action under Operation Southern Spear, which aims to combat transnational criminal and illicit maritime networks. This initiative was launched in late 2025 by the Department of the Army.
The strike followed close on the heels of another operation Southcom announced on Friday, which had already targeted a different drug-trafficking vessel earlier that day, killing two male narco-terrorists as well. Similar to Sunday’s action, there were no injuries to U.S. forces. Since September, over 50 strikes have reportedly been executed against drug vessels, resulting in at least 185 deaths among traffickers.
Besides targeting drug-laden vessels in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean Sea, Operation Southern Spear has also effectively intercepted at least six oil tankers involved in illegally transporting U.S.-sanctioned oil.
Admiral Donovan stated, “Joint Task Force Southern Spear remains committed to disrupting narco-terrorism operations. In line with presidential directives, the U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Security Response Team, working alongside U.S. Marine Corps Special Purpose Units, continues to target the networks that threaten American security globally.”
Over the past few months, Operation Southern Spear has also led to collaborations with Latin American countries in countering drug trafficking.
In March, SOUTHCOM announced a partnership with Ecuador under President Daniel Novoa to conduct joint military operations against narco-terrorism. Shortly thereafter, Ecuador reported seizing 1.9 tons of drugs believed to be headed for the U.S., aided by U.S. support.
Additionally, following the announcement of Operation Southern Spear by Army Secretary Pete Hegseth in November, the Dominican Republic successfully executed two drug raids with U.S. military assistance, confiscating hundreds of cocaine packages.
