New U.S. strike on alleged drug vessel in the Caribbean leaves 4 dead

A new U.S. military strike on an alleged drug vessel in the Caribbean has left four people dead, according to U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM).

The strike was carried out Wednesday at the direction of commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan and targeted a vessel SOUTHCOM said was operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations, according to a statement by the command.

“Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Caribbean and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations,” the statement said.

The four men who were killed were described by the command as “narco-terrorists.” SOUTHCOM said no U.S. personnel were harmed.

The operation was conducted as part of Operation Southern Spear, a campaign launched in September to target vessels allegedly linked to designated terrorist organizations involved in drug trafficking across the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.

Since the campaign began, 47 vessels have been struck, resulting in at least 161 deaths. Of those, 32 vessels were operating in the Pacific and 15 in the Caribbean.

Applying total systemic friction on the cartels.

On March 25, 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… pic.twitter.com/VTzo4wkbpG

— U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) March 25, 2026