On February 20, the United States Southern Command (Southcom) reported a lethal attack on a vessel associated with organizations designated as terrorist groups in the eastern Pacific. The operation, ordered by General Francis L. Donovan, the commander of Southcom, was carried out by the Southern Spear Joint Task Force. According to the official statement, intelligence operations confirmed that the vessel was traveling through known drug trafficking routes and was actively involved in drug trafficking operations.

The attack was characterized as a "kinetic lethal strike," a military term referring to the direct use of armed force. As a result of the operation, three individuals identified as alleged "narco-terrorists" were killed, with no reported casualties or injuries among US military personnel. This operation highlights the ongoing efforts of the US military to combat drug trafficking and associated violence in international waters, underscoring the complex intersection of drug trade and terrorism.

While the specific nationality of the vessel was not disclosed, the incident raises critical questions about the implications of US military operations in the region, particularly regarding sovereignty and the rules of engagement in pursuing suspected drug traffickers. The confrontation illustrates the challenging environment within which US forces are operating, as they tackle persistent narcotics issues that have significant ramifications not only for the United States but also for countries in Latin America that are directly affected by drug trafficking activities and violence.