The US Southern Command reported a lethal strike carried out by its Joint Force against a vessel linked to narcotrafficking in the Pacific, which resulted in the deaths of three crew members. This operation occurred under the leadership of General Francis L. Donovan, the new commander of Southern Command, who recently visited Venezuela as part of his mission. The targeted vessel was navigating well-known drug trafficking routes, underscoring ongoing US military operations against narcotrafficking in sensitive areas.

Since the operations began in August 2025, there have been over 110 fatalities linked to US military activities in the Caribbean and Pacific regions, indicating a significant escalation in the US's narcotrafficking crackdown. General Donovan's visit to Venezuela not only emphasized the strategic importance of collaboration with local military authorities but also marked an opportunity for discussions with interim leaders amidst ongoing regional tensions.

The US has been increasing its military presence in the Caribbean and Pacific, aiming to curb the influence of drug cartels in the region. This incident reflects a broader strategy of aggressive military intervention directed at dismantling narcotrafficking networks. The continued operations and recent high-profile attacks highlight the complex dynamics at play in US relations with Latin America and the ongoing challenges of addressing narcotrafficking effectively.