The U.S. military conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a low-profile vessel in the Eastern Pacific on August 23, killing two individuals identified as "narco-terrorists." The strike was executed by Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere under the command of U.S. Southern Command.
According to a U.S. Southern Command news release, confirmed intelligence revealed the vessel's active involvement in narco-trafficking. This operation is part of a broader strategy to disrupt and dismantle narco-terrorist networks operating in the region.
Gen. Francis L. Donovan, commander of U.S. Southern Command, stated, "When I ordered the establishment of Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere, it was precisely for this purpose: to accelerate, synchronize, and execute lethal actions against these destabilizing narco-terrorist networks." He added, "We are committed to imposing total systemic friction on narco-terrorists -- disrupting their operations, dismantling their leadership, and eliminating cartel terror across the region."
Donovan emphasized the resolve to protect the U.S. homeland, saying, "Let me be clear, we will not permit narco-terrorists to operate with impunity in the Western Hemisphere, nor will we allow their deadly poison to reach American communities. This operation is a powerful demonstration of our lethal precision, overwhelming capability, and absolute resolve to protect the U.S. homeland."
The U.S. military has carried out numerous strikes against alleged drug trafficking vessels. The last announced strike of this nature by U.S. Southern Command occurred just over two months prior, on June 21. That operation also resulted in two fatalities, though six individuals survived.