WASHINGTON, United States — A narco-trafficking strike conducted by Joint Task Force Southern Spear on May 26 killed one person and left two survivors in the Eastern Pacific, U.S. Southern Command confirmed. No U.S. military personnel were harmed, per the official USSOUTHCOM statement.
USSOUTHCOM said intelligence confirmed the vessel was engaged in narco-trafficking operations at the time of the strike, which was carried out at the direction of SOUTHCOM commander General Francis L. Donovan. Following the engagement, USSOUTHCOM immediately notified the U.S. Coast Guard to activate its Search and Rescue system for the two survivors, per the command’s statement. The May 26 operation is the second such strike reported by USSOUTHCOM this month, following a previous narco vessel strike in the Eastern Pacific.
What We Know
- Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal strike on May 26, per USSOUTHCOM’s verified statement.
- The strike was directed by SOUTHCOM commander General Francis L. Donovan.
- Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations, according to USSOUTHCOM.
- The vessel was operated by personnel linked to Designated Terrorist Organisations, per the official statement.
- One person was killed during the strike, and two survivors were recovered, per USSOUTHCOM.
- No U.S. military personnel were harmed, per the command’s statement.
- The U.S. Coast Guard was notified to activate Search and Rescue for the two survivors, per USSOUTHCOM.
What We Don’t Know About The Narco-Trafficking Strike
- The identities of those killed or recovered have not been confirmed.
- The nationality of the vessel and those aboard have not been released.
- Which specific Designated Terrorist Organisations were named in the intelligence assessment has not been publicly disclosed.
- The current status of the two survivors, whether they are in U.S. custody, has not been confirmed.
- The precise location of the strike within the Eastern Pacific has not been released.
This is a developing story. Unitedpac St Lucia News will update this report as confirmed information becomes available.
