The United States military has confirmed that at least five individuals were killed in two separate strikes targeting vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking in the Eastern Pacific, according to the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM).
In an official statement, the Joint Task Force “Southern Spear” said it conducted two “kinetic lethal strikes” against boats operated by designated terrorist organizations.
“Intelligence confirmed that the vessels were traveling along known drug trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and were involved in narcotics smuggling operations,” the statement said.
According to USSOUTHCOM, two male suspects were killed in the first strike, while one individual survived and search-and-rescue efforts were initiated by the U.S. Coast Guard. In the second strike, three additional individuals were killed.
The command emphasized that no U.S. personnel were injured during the operations and that relevant maritime authorities were immediately notified following the engagements.
