US Navy strikes suspected Pacific vessel linked to alleged drug trafficking operation

US Military Conducts Strike on Eastern Pacific Vessel

The US military announced a strike against an alleged drug trafficking vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean. According to the initial statement, three people survived the incident. However, the Coast Guard later reported that two of the survivors were found deceased, leaving only one person recovered alive.

The US Southern Command stated that intelligence confirmed the vessel was operating along known narco-trafficking routes and engaged in such activities. The command notified the US Coast Guard to activate the Search and Rescue system for the survivors.

A video showing a small boat being bombed and bursting into flames was released by the US military. The survivor and the remains of those killed were later transferred to the Costa Rican Coast Guard.

This incident is part of Operation Southern Spear, a campaign targeting alleged drug trafficking boats off Latin America. According to government announcements, at least 159 people have been killed in 46 separate incidents since the campaign began on September 2, 2025.

The US military has not released information about those involved in the attacks or provided evidence to justify them. The administration of President Donald Trump has stated that the strikes are aimed at deterring drug trafficking. However, international legal scholars have raised concerns about the campaign’s legality.

In December, it was reported that two survivors from an initial strike on September 2 were killed in a double-tap strike. The US military has declined to release video footage of this incident or provide public evidence to support the attacks.

Source: Al Jazeera