U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) has executed two strikes on suspected narco-terrorist vessels in the Eastern Pacific within a span of two days, resulting in five alleged narco-terrorists being killed without harm to any U.S. military personnel.

According to SOUTHCOM, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on April 24 targeting a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations. The operation resulted in two male alleged narco-terrorists being killed. A second strike on April 26 targeted another similar vessel, leading to three additional alleged narco-terrorists being killed.

These actions are part of Operation Southern Spear, which has seen 54 strikes against suspected drug-trafficking vessels. The campaign has reportedly led to at least 185 deaths among those aboard the targeted vessels.

SOUTHCOM commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan stated: “Joint Task Force Southern Spear continues to conduct decisive operations to detect, disrupt, and dismantle narco-terrorist networks.”

The administration has characterized these strikes as a direct response to transnational narco-terrorist networks allegedly moving illicit goods toward the United States.