The United States military executed two strikes on May 26 and May 27 targeting boats suspected of drug trafficking in the eastern Pacific Ocean. These actions were part of Operation Southern Spear, as reported by U.S. Southern Command. Three individuals identified as 'narco-terrorists' were killed during these operations.
On May 26, a strike directed by Gen. Francis L. Donovan resulted in the death of one individual, with two survivors reported. The U.S. military coordinated with the Coast Guard for search and rescue efforts for the survivors, though the success of these efforts is unclear.
The following day, another strike led to the deaths of two more individuals. Southern Command confirmed that these vessels were operating along known narco-trafficking routes. No U.S. military personnel were harmed in either incident.
These strikes mark the first military actions under Operation Southern Spear since May 8, bringing the total number of individuals killed in the operation to ten for the month. Additionally, the Department of War's inspector general is set to review the strikes to ensure compliance with military standards and the Joint Targeting Cycle framework.
