U.S. Strike on Eastern Pacific Vessel Kills Two, Raises Maritime Campaign Death Toll to 128

Overview

• U.S. Southern Command said Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal strike on Feb. 5 against a boat in the Eastern Pacific.
• The military said the vessel was operated by designated terrorist organizations and was traveling along known narco‑trafficking routes.
• Two people were killed, video of the engagement was released, and officials reported no U.S. casualties.
• Officials have confirmed at least 37 similar actions since September 2025 with at least 128 deaths across the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.
• International bodies and legal experts have questioned the operations’ legality and evidence, and relatives of two Trinidadian men have filed a wrongful‑death lawsuit against the U.S. government.