On Sunday, August 23, 2026, US Southern Command launched a lethal kinetic strike against a low-profile vessel operating along established narcotrafficking routes in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing two people described as involved in drug trafficking or as "narco-terrorists" by the US military [1, 2, 3, 4]. This was the first publicly announced strike by US forces in the campaign since a pause began in late June 2026 [1, 2, 4].

The US military has waged a nearly year-long campaign targeting alleged drug trafficking vessels off Latin America, dubbed Operation Southern Spear, launched in early September 2025 [3]. Since then, more than 60-67 strikes have been carried out against these targets, resulting in 210-223 deaths according to official counts, including the destruction of 64 speedboats, three low-profile ships, and one semisubmersible [1, 2, 3]. The number of survivors recovered remains very low, with three rescued and over 20 US search and rescue attempts largely unsuccessful [1].

US Southern Command stated that although it has not released public proof, "confirmed intelligence" supported claims that the targeted vessels were ferrying illegal narcotics [1, 2, 3, 4]. Gen. Francis L. Donovan, commander of US Southern Command, said, "We are committed to imposing total systemic friction on narco-terrorists – disrupting their operations, dismantling their leadership, and eliminating cartel terror across the region" [1]. He added, "We will not permit narco-terrorists to operate with impunity in the Western Hemisphere, nor will we allow their deadly poison to reach American communities. This operation is a powerful demonstration of our lethal precision, overwhelming capability, and absolute resolve to protect the U.S. homeland" [3]. Donovan also noted that the establishment of Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere was intended precisely to accelerate lethal actions against narco-terrorist networks [4].

The campaign aims to disrupt drug traffickers and dismantle cartel leadership operating from Latin America. The Trump administration seeks to expand cooperation with allied countries Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras, and Ecuador for joint military operations against these criminal groups. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Colombia, Guatemala, and Honduras had agreed to allow such operations, although Guatemala has denied any agreement allowing US operations on its soil [1].

Since the last reported strike on June 21, 2026, which killed two and left six survivors, the US paused strikes amid a humanitarian crisis caused by back-to-back earthquakes in Venezuela on June 24, 2026 [1, 2, 4]. The August 23 strike marked a resumption of operations after almost two months [1, 2, 4].

Legal experts and rights groups have raised concerns about whether these strikes constitute extrajudicial killings. In May 2026, the Pentagon inspector general announced a review of targeting procedures but has not examined the legal authority underpinning the campaign [3].

The US military continues its targeting efforts against narcotrafficking vessels. More strikes are expected as cooperation with Latin American partners develops further.