Seventh Caribbean Drug Smuggling Vessel Sunk by U.S. Military in Targeted Operation
U.S. military forces have destroyed another drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean, marking the seventh such strike against boats targeting U.S. shores since Marine Corps Gen. Francis Donovan assumed command of Southern Command on February 5.
The operation was reported Monday by Southern Command, underscoring the resolve of the Trump administration and Donovan’s leadership.
In a statement posted on its X platform, Southern Command stated that “SOUTHCOM commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by designated terrorist organizations.” The command confirmed intelligence indicating the vessel was following known narco-trafficking routes in the Caribbean and engaged in drug-smuggling activities. Three male narco-terrorists were killed during the incident.
Southern Command did not disclose the specific location of the strike but reported no U.S. military personnel were injured.
Gen. Donovan has served as vice commander of U.S. Special Operations Command and brings extensive experience in infantry, reconnaissance, and special operations, including combat deployments. On Friday, he ordered another vessel destroyed within the unit’s operational zone, resulting in three fatalities on board.
War Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized in December that U.S. forces follow established protocols for handling survivors during this Caribbean campaign targeting drug-smuggling operations. He also countered criticisms from opponents who claimed the strikes are “cavalier” or designed to kill all aboard.
Hegseth defended the military personnel involved, stating: “These are the most professional Americans going through processes of what they can or cannot do. All the laws of war and capabilities, and we apply it to deter our adversaries and there aren’t many people running drugs right now which is the whole point.”
