U.S. Southern Command Strikes Vessel in Caribbean Sea

CARIBBEAN SEA — U.S. Joint Task Force (JTF) Southern Spear conducted a strike on a vessel in the Caribbean Sea on June 21.

U.S. Southern Command stated that intelligence indicated the vessel was transiting along known routes for drug trafficking and engaged in such operations. The command reported that two males were killed during the action and six male survivors were present.

U.S. Southern Command notified the U.S. Coast Guard to activate search and rescue for the survivors. No U.S. military forces were harmed.

Engagement Of The Vessel

Officials stated the vessel was operated by groups the command designated as terrorist organizations.

The release stated, “Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Caribbean and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations.”

According to the same release, “Two male narco-terrorists were killed during this action, and there were six male survivors.” The command added that it “immediately notified U.S. Coast Guard to activate the Search and Rescue system for the survivors.”

The strike occurred at the direction of the commander of U.S. Southern Command, Gen. Francis L. Donovan.

Search and Rescue For Survivors

U.S. Southern Command released limited details on the strike. It has not provided coordinates, vessel identification, or cargo information. The command notified the U.S. Coast Guard to begin search and rescue for the survivors.

This step enables coordinated inter-agency response in the immediate aftermath and follows standard protocol seen in earlier strikes by the same task force this month. No public update on survivor outcomes has been issued as of June 22.

What to Watch

• U.S. Southern Command press releases or updates for any additional details on the June 21 incident or investigation findings, expected in coming days.

• U.S. Coast Guard public statements or advisories regarding search and rescue outcomes or vessel recovery in the Caribbean region.

• Official Department of Defense or U.S. Southern Command channels for confirmation of any related operational reporting or updates on Operation Southern Spear activities.

Official Statements

• U.S. Southern Command, June 21: “On June 21, 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 Caribbean and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. Two male narco-terrorists were killed during this action, and there were six 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.”