US military strikes alleged drug boat in the Eastern Pacific, leaving 2 dead and 1 survivor
A still of the video showing the deadly strike carried out by US Southern Command on Monday. U.S. Southern Command
The U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) announced that on Feb. 9, the United States military conducted a lethal kinetic strike against a suspected drug‑trafficking vessel in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, resulting in the deaths of two people and one survivor.
According to SOUTHCOM, Joint Task Force Southern Spear carried out the operation under the direction of SOUTHCOM Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan. The military said intelligence indicated the vessel was moving along known narcotics‑trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in trafficking activities.
After the strike, the command immediately notified the U.S. Coast Guard to activate search‑and‑rescue efforts for the lone survivor.
SOUTHCOM released a brief video of the strike showing a small boat slowing after being hit. The command has described these actions as part of broader efforts to disrupt drug‑smuggling networks at sea.
This strike is the third publicly acknowledged such operation this year. It follows similar strikes in January and earlier in February, all conducted under Operation Southern Spear, a campaign initiated by President Donald Trump’s administration to target vessels allegedly tied to designated terrorist organizations involved in narcotics trafficking.
U.S. military officials say the campaign has included attacks on various types of boats traveling along established smuggling routes in the Pacific and Caribbean. However, some international observers and rights groups have raised questions about the legal basis and broader implications of these maritime operations.
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