U.S. Conducts Three Lethal Kinetic Strikes on Narco-Trafficking Vessels in Eastern Pacific and Caribbean
SOUTHCOM Intelligence confirmed the vessels were transiting known trafficking routes and actively engaged in narco-trafficking operations
EASTERN PACIFIC AND CARIBBEAN — Late on February 16, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted three lethal kinetic strikes on three vessels operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations at the direction of U.S. Southern Command commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan.
U.S. Southern Command Conducts Lethal Kinetic Strike on Narco-Trafficking Vessel in Eastern Pacific
SOUTHCOM Intelligence confirmed the vessels were transiting known narco-trafficking routes and actively engaged in narco-trafficking operations. Eleven male individuals designated as narco-terrorists were killed during the actions: four on the first vessel in the Eastern Pacific, four on the second vessel in the Eastern Pacific, and three on the third vessel in the Caribbean. No U.S. military forces sustained harm.
The strikes represent the latest in a series of similar operations conducted by Joint Task Force Southern Spear in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility. Official reporting indicates consistent targeting of vessels assessed to be involved in illicit narcotics trafficking along established maritime routes in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean.