US military conducts strike on suspected narco-trafficking vessel in Caribbean

The U.S. military carried out a strike against a vessel suspected of involvement in narcotics trafficking in the Caribbean Sea, killing two alleged members of a designated terrorist organization, according to U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM).

In a statement released on X, SOUTHCOM said the operation was conducted on June 21 by Joint Task Force Southern Spear under the direction of General Francis L. Donovan, commander of U.S. Southern Command, Caliber.Az reports. 

On June 21, at the direction of #SOUTHCOM commander 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… pic.twitter.com/34cDvvcwxe

— U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) June 22, 2026

According to the military, intelligence assessments indicated that the vessel was operating along known drug-smuggling routes in the Caribbean and was actively engaged in narcotics trafficking activities. The command described the operation as a "lethal kinetic strike" targeting a vessel allegedly operated by organisations designated by the United States as terrorist groups.

SOUTHCOM said two male suspects were killed during the operation, while six others survived.

Following the strike, the command notified the U.S. Coast Guard and requested activation of search-and-rescue procedures for the survivors.

"No U.S. military forces were harmed during the operation," the statement said.

By Sabina Mammadli