U.S. Navy Attacks Drug Boats, Killing 11 in Pacific and Caribbean

Escalating counter-narcotics operations mark shift to more aggressive tactics

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The U.S. military has confirmed conducting a series of 'lethal kinetic strikes' against vessels suspected of drug trafficking in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, resulting in the deaths of 11 individuals. The operations, carried out by Joint Task Force Southern Spear, mark an escalation in efforts to disrupt the flow of narcotics towards the United States.

Why it matters

This escalation in maritime interdiction raises concerns about potential collateral damage, strained regional relations, shifting trafficking routes, and the need for greater intelligence gathering and international cooperation to effectively combat drug smuggling.

The details

The first strike occurred in the Eastern Pacific, resulting in four fatalities. A second engagement in the same area yielded another four deaths. A third operation took place in the Caribbean Sea, claiming the lives of three individuals. In February 2026 alone, these incidents bring the total number of sunken vessels to six, with at least 18 confirmed deaths and one survivor.

  • The operations were carried out in February 2026 as part of Operation 'Southern Lance'.
  • Operation 'Southern Lance' was authorized by President Donald Trump.

The players

U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM)

The U.S. Southern Command, headquartered in Miami, Florida, oversees military operations in Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean. Its area of responsibility encompasses 31 countries and 24.9 million square kilometers.

Lieutenant General Evan L. Pettus

The current commander of SOUTHCOM (Interim).

Joint Task Force Southern Spear

The military unit responsible for carrying out the operations against suspected drug trafficking vessels.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The use of lethal force in these operations raises concerns about potential collateral damage, strained regional relations, and the need for greater intelligence gathering and international cooperation to effectively combat drug smuggling.

The takeaway

This escalation in maritime interdiction signals a shift in U.S. counter-narcotics strategy, moving towards more aggressive tactics that carry inherent risks and could have far-reaching implications for regional stability and the global fight against drug trafficking.