This Friday, the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) announced that it executed a new "lethal kinetic strike" against a vessel linked to organizations designated as terrorists in the eastern Pacific, as part of Operation Southern Spear.
The operation was carried out by the Joint Task Force Southern Spear, under the leadership of General Francis L. Donovan, according to a statement released on the social media platform X.
U.S. intelligence verified that the vessel was navigating well-known drug trafficking routes and was involved in illicit activities. The strike resulted in the deaths of three individuals identified by Washington as "narcoterrorists." There were no reported casualties among U.S. forces.
This latest operation brings the total number of fatalities since the campaign's inception to at least 147, based on official statements. On February 10, the Pentagon reported 130 deaths in 38 confirmed strikes. Three more were added on February 13, eleven on February 16, and now three more on February 20, totaling 147 fatalities and 43 confirmed attacks.
Launched in September 2025, the offensive is part of a broader strategy driven by President Donald Trump's administration to disrupt drug trafficking maritime routes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.
Washington maintains that these actions are intended to disrupt the logistical chains of transnational crime and deter organizations deemed direct threats to U.S. security.
Meanwhile, regional pressure has intensified with Mexico's involvement. This week, the Secretaría de Marina (SEMAR) confirmed the interdiction of a semi-submersible vessel more than 250 nautical miles from the port of Manzanillo, which had three crew members and over 170 bundles of suspected illicit cargo.
SOUTHCOM publicly praised the operation and highlighted the bilateral cooperation as an example of hemispheric coordination against drug trafficking.
Despite the redeployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier to the Middle East, the impressive U.S. naval presence in the region remains active. Units such as the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit continue to operate within the Southern Spear framework in the Caribbean.
So far, no details have been released regarding the nationality of those killed in the latest strike or the exact location of the operation.
Key Insights on U.S. Maritime Anti-Drug Operations
What is Operation Southern Spear?
Operation Southern Spear is a U.S.-led initiative targeting drug trafficking routes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, aiming to disrupt transnational crime logistics.
How many operations have been confirmed under this campaign?
As of now, 43 attacks have been confirmed with a total of 147 fatalities attributed to Operation Southern Spear.
What role does Mexico play in the maritime anti-drug efforts?
Mexico, through its Secretaría de Marina, has actively participated by intercepting vessels suspected of carrying illicit cargo, enhancing regional cooperation.