U.S. Southern Command conducted a lethal strike against a suspected drug smuggling boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean on May 29, killing three people with no American casualties.
Joint Task Force Southern Spear carried out the operation under the direction of Gen. Francis L. Donovan, commander of U.S. Southern Command. Intelligence officials determined the vessel was operating along established narcotics trafficking corridors in the region.
Video released by SOUTHCOM shows the small boat engulfed in flames after being struck, with debris scattered across the water’s surface. The operation resulted in the vessel’s complete destruction.
Part of Broader Campaign
The strike represents the latest military action in an intensified campaign against drug trafficking operations. Since early September, comparable strikes have resulted in approximately 202 deaths, with two additional operations announced earlier this week.
The Trump administration has described these military actions as part of an armed conflict with Latin American drug cartels, which officials say fuel narcotics supplies flowing into the United States. Gen. Donovan met with Cuban military leaders near the U.S. Navy base at Guantanamo Bay on Friday to coordinate regional efforts.
Ongoing Operations
U.S. Southern Command continues monitoring suspected trafficking routes across the Caribbean and Pacific regions. The command has not announced plans to cease the operations.
This story has been updated. CNN’s National Security team contributed to this report.
