US Forces Target Suspected Drug Vessels in Overnight Attack
In a recent airstrike, US forces destroyed three boats believed to be involved in drug trafficking. This incident marks the 33rd boat operation since the initiation of Operation Southern Spear back in September during the Trump era.
The military action resulted in the deaths of three individuals classified as “narco-terrorists” who were traveling in a single convoy on the open sea. Following the initial explosion on Tuesday night, some suspected traffickers on two other vessels attempted to escape by jumping overboard, as reported by US Southern Command.
Military officials stated, “These vessels were being operated by a designated terrorist organization in international waters.” This attack was reportedly carried out under orders from Army Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Intelligence revealed that these boats were navigating along established drug trafficking routes and were in the process of transferring drugs among themselves prior to the airstrike. Three of the narco-terrorists aboard the first vessel were killed in the initial strike.
After the first blast, the remaining crew members from the other two vessels abandoned ship, and amid the chaotic aftermath, they sank both ships during the confrontation.
Immediately following the airstrikes, the U.S. Coast Guard was alerted to initiate search and rescue efforts for those who had jumped into the water. Video footage circulating on social media showcased the dramatic moment when the boats suddenly erupted; one was hit by a significant explosion, while two others collided shortly thereafter.
The Southern Command, responsible for overseeing operations in Latin America and the Caribbean, did not disclose the exact location of the airstrikes or specify how many suspects were aboard the other vessels.
Past airstrike operations have taken place in areas of the Caribbean as well as the eastern Pacific Ocean. Since early September, a total of 110 suspected drug smugglers have reportedly lost their lives in these ongoing boat attacks.
