Under orders from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, the Joint Task Force Southern Spear executed "kinetic strikes" on Tuesday against three boats suspected of drug trafficking while traveling in a convoy through international waters.
According to a statement from U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), these vessels were operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations, with intelligence confirming their use of well-known narcotrafficking routes.
The report highlights that prior to the strikes, the vessels had allegedly transferred narcotics among themselves.
The release mentions that three "narcoterrorists" aboard the first boat were killed during the initial encounter.
Concerning the other two vessels, the statement notes that the remaining occupants abandoned ship, "jumping overboard" and swimming away, prior to subsequent engagements that resulted in their vessels being sunk.
Following these actions, SOUTHCOM promptly notified the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) to activate the Search and Rescue system, as confirmed by the same source.
This past Monday, SOUTHCOM also confirmed a lethal strike on a boat allegedly linked to drug trafficking in the Eastern Pacific. This operation is part of the military initiative known as "Operation Southern Spear."
U.S. authorities stated that intelligence confirmed the boat's transit through recognized narcotrafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and its operation by organizations designated as terrorists involved in drug-related activities.
The operation is supported by the Department of Defense and the U.S. Strategic Command (US STRATCOM), amid increased military pressure on transnational criminal organizations that blend drug trafficking with armed structures.
"Operation Southern Spear" is part of a broader U.S. strategy to combat drug trafficking in the Western Hemisphere, particularly in maritime corridors of the Pacific and the Caribbean.
Key Details on U.S. Military Anti-Narcotic Operations
What is the objective of Operation Southern Spear?
Operation Southern Spear aims to disrupt and combat drug trafficking activities by targeting vessels operated by terrorist organizations using known narcotrafficking routes in international waters.
How does SOUTHCOM respond after such military actions?
Following military actions, SOUTHCOM immediately notifies the U.S. Coast Guard to activate the Search and Rescue system, ensuring a quick response to any potential maritime emergencies.
Who supports Operation Southern Spear?
The operation is backed by the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Strategic Command, contributing to the broader strategy of increasing military pressure on criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking.