The United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) confirmed on Monday a new lethal kinetic strike against a vessel allegedly linked to drug trafficking in international waters of the eastern Pacific, as part of Operation Southern Spear .
According to the official statement, released alongside a video of the operation, the action was carried out on February 9 by the Southern Spear Joint Task Force, under the command of SOUTHCOM Commander, General Francis L. Donovan.
U.S. intelligence confirmed that the vessel was navigating known drug trafficking routes and was actively participating in illicit operations.
The attack left two alleged "narcoterrorists" dead, while a third crew member survived. Following the military action, Southern Command immediately notified the United States Coast Guard, which activated the search and rescue system to locate and assist the survivor.
With this new operation, the total number of deaths has risen to at least 130 people, in 38 confirmed attacks against vessels in the Caribbean and the eastern Pacific since the beginning of the campaign, according to counts based on official statements from the Pentagon.
The operation occurs amid a sustained escalation of military actions ordered by the administration of President Donald Trump, who has declared a direct offensive against organizations that Washington classifies as transnational narcoterrorists.
U.S. authorities maintain that these actions aim to disrupt drug trafficking maritime routes and exert deterrence through the use of force.
However, the campaign has generated increasing legal challenges, with experts and human rights organizations pointing out the absence of judicial processes and the lack of conclusive public evidence regarding the shipments of the attacked vessels.
Despite the criticisms, Southern Command insists that Southern Spear will continue as part of its strategy to protect regional security and U.S. territory.
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