The U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) conducted a lethal strike on March 19 against a low-profile vessel suspected of engaging in narco-trafficking operations in the Eastern Pacific, targeting a route frequently used for drug smuggling. The strike was ordered by USSOUTHCOM Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan based on intelligence confirming the vessel’s activities.
Details of the Strike and Survivors
The targeted vessel, described as a “low-profile” craft often used by narco-traffickers to evade detection, was attacked by Joint Task Force Southern Spear. Video released showed the moment of the kinetic strike marked by a bright flash. Three individuals believed to be involved in narco-trafficking survived, and USSOUTHCOM immediately coordinated with the U.S. Coast Guard to initiate search and rescue operations for the survivors. The number of casualties caused by the strike has not been disclosed. No U.S. military personnel were reported harmed during the operation.
Context and Prior Operations
This strike follows a similar operation on March 8, also ordered by Gen. Donovan, which targeted another suspected drug-smuggling vessel in the Eastern Pacific, resulting in six deaths. Since the Trump administration, at least 156 people have reportedly died in strikes on vessels alleged to be involved in drug smuggling, according to The New York Times. USSOUTHCOM continues operations to disrupt maritime drug trafficking routes from South America to Central America and Mexico.
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