The United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) announced on Friday that the Joint Task Force "Southern Spear" carried out a "lethal kinetic strike" against a low-profile vessel linked to drug trafficking in the Eastern Pacific.
This operation resulted in the deaths of two alleged "narco-terrorists," while one individual survived, according to the official statement released by the command.
SOUTHCOM stated that the mission was conducted under the directive of Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth. It targeted a ship that, based on U.S. intelligence, was operated by "Designated Terrorist Organizations" and was navigating well-known drug trafficking routes in international waters.
The intelligence operations confirmed that the vessel was "actively" involved in narcotics trafficking, as per SOUTHCOM's findings.
Following the strike, the military command promptly informed the U.S. Coast Guard to initiate a search and rescue operation to aid the survivor.
Recent Military Offensives in the Pacific and Caribbean
This assault is part of a series of recent operations by the Southern Spear Task Force against drug-linked vessels in both the Eastern Pacific and the Caribbean.
These initiatives are components of a military campaign led by the Trump administration against criminal organizations associated with drug trafficking, under the mission named "Southern Spear."
Since October 2025, the United States has intensified its efforts against drug trafficking in the Caribbean, establishing a Joint Task Force focused on maritime and intelligence operations under SOUTHCOM's leadership.
This strategic framework brought together the Navy, Coast Guard, and federal agencies in a unified approach to disrupt drug routes originating from South America, marking a new phase in Washington's anti-drug policy.
Expansion of Anti-Drug Efforts
In January 2026, this offensive escalated with a coordinated high-seas attack, where U.S. forces destroyed three drug boats and eliminated several suspected traffickers in the Eastern Pacific.
Southern Command described the operation as a "tactical success" within the Southern Spear mission, designed to neutralize organizations designated as terrorists due to their drug trafficking connections.
Shortly thereafter, President Donald Trump announced the expansion of military actions on land, declaring that "we know where the drugs are entering" and that the country would not stand idle in the face of this threat.
With these statements, the president confirmed the toughening of his anti-drug strategy and the extension of the conflict beyond the Caribbean and Pacific, reaching the land routes at the U.S. southern border.
Insights into U.S. Anti-Drug Strategy
What was the target of the Southern Spear Task Force's recent operation?
The recent operation by the Southern Spear Task Force targeted a low-profile vessel linked to drug trafficking, operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations.
How has the U.S. expanded its anti-drug efforts since 2025?
Since 2025, the U.S. has expanded its anti-drug efforts by creating a Joint Task Force focused on maritime and intelligence operations, unifying the Navy, Coast Guard, and federal agencies to disrupt drug routes from South America.
What measures did President Trump announce regarding drug trafficking?
President Trump announced an expansion of military actions to combat drug trafficking, extending efforts beyond maritime operations to include land routes at the U.S. southern border.