Additional Coverage:
- US military kills 2 suspected cartel operatives in latest Eastern Pacific lethal strike, SOUTHCOM says (foxnews.com)
The U.S. military has conducted another targeted strike against suspected cartel operatives in the Eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of two individuals believed to be involved in drug trafficking, according to U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM).
In a statement posted on X, SOUTHCOM emphasized its efforts to disrupt cartel activities, stating that on April 13, under the direction of SOUTHCOM commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear executed a lethal strike on a vessel operated by groups designated as terrorist organizations.
Intelligence had confirmed that the targeted vessel was traveling along established narcotics trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was actively engaged in drug smuggling operations. The strike resulted in the deaths of two male suspects, with no injuries reported among U.S. forces.
This operation follows similar strikes conducted just two days earlier against two other vessels linked to designated narcotics trafficking groups. During those actions, two men were killed in the first strike, three in the second, and one individual survived.
SOUTHCOM promptly coordinated with the U.S. Coast Guard to carry out search and rescue efforts for the survivor.
These military actions form part of a broader campaign by the U.S. to disrupt maritime drug trafficking networks in the region. The Eastern Pacific remains a critical corridor for narcotics smuggling, with cartels commonly using small, fast boats to transport drugs northward toward the United States and Central America.
The designation of these groups as “Designated Terrorist Organizations” signals a more assertive approach adopted in recent years, expanding the use of military force beyond traditional law enforcement measures to combat narcotics traffickers.
Joint Task Force Southern Spear continues to focus on dismantling transnational criminal organizations operating along vital maritime routes. SOUTHCOM, responsible for military operations across Central and South America and the Caribbean, has increased its efforts with multiple strikes in recent months aimed at weakening cartel-linked trafficking networks that threaten U.S. security interests.
No further details regarding the identities of those killed or the specific groups involved have been released at this time.