The U.S. struck a drug traffickers' vessel in the Pacific Ocean
The United States carried out a military operation against a vessel that, according to U.S. intelligence, was being used to smuggle drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean. One person was killed and two others were wounded as a result of the strike.
It is noted that the operation was carried out by the Southern Spear Combined Task Force under the orders of SOUTHCOM Commander General Francis L. Donovan.
According to the U.S. military, the vessel was traveling along known drug trafficking routes and was linked to the activities of criminal groups that the U.S. classifies as terrorist organizations.
After receiving intelligence, a decision was made to use force. As a result of the strike, one of the suspects was killed on the spot, while two others survived.
U.S. Southern Command emphasized that immediately after the operation concluded, the U.S. Coast Guard was notified to conduct search-and-rescue operations and provide assistance to the injured.
The agency also noted that there were no casualties or injuries among U.S. service members.
The operation marked another step in the U.S. fight against international drug trafficking networks that actively use maritime routes to transport illicit substances to various countries around the world.
On June 16, under the direction of #SOUTHCOM commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known… pic.twitter.com/UGBRt9Mbdm
— U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) June 17, 2026
This was reported by U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) on social media platform X.
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