US Military Strikes Kill Five on Suspected Drug-Trafficking Boats in Eastern Pacific

SOUTHCOM conducted two lethal strikes on vessels on known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific under Operation Southern Spear, killing five and leaving one survivor. Since the campaign began, 50 vessels have been struck with at least 168 deaths, 35 in the Pacific and 15 in the Caribbean. The strikes were authorized by SOUTHCOM commander Gen. Donovan and carried out by Joint Task Force Southern Spear against vessels designated as belonging to terrorist organizations.