U.S. Southern Command Joint Task Force Strikes Vessel in Eastern Pacific Drug Trafficking Route

EASTERN PACIFIC — Joint Task Force Southern Spear struck a vessel that U.S. Southern Command stated was engaged in drug trafficking operations in the Eastern Pacific on June 16.

The strike was directed by the commander of U.S. Southern Command, Gen. Francis L. Donovan. The Command stated that the vessel was transiting known narco-trafficking routes and actively involved in trafficking operations.

One man was killed during the strike, and two male survivors were reported. U.S. Southern Command notified the U.S. Coast Guard immediately after the engagement to activate search and rescue for the survivors. No U.S. military forces were reported to have been harmed.

Official Statements

• U.S. Southern Command, Press Release, June 16, 2026: “On June 16, at the direction of the commander of U.S. Southern Command 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 narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. One male narco-terrorists was killed during this action, and there were two male survivors. Following the engagement, USSOUTHCOM immediately notified U.S. Coast Guard to activate the Search and Rescue system for the survivors. No U.S. military forces were harmed.”