US forces carried out three airstrikes on vessels linked to alleged narco-trafficking operations, according to U.S. Southern Command.

The strikes occurred late on Feb. 16. U.S. Southern Command said the vessels were operated by designated terrorist organizations. Officials also said the boats were moving along known drug routes.

As a result, 11 men were killed. Four died on the first vessel in the Eastern Pacific. Similarly, four died on the second vessel in the same region. Meanwhile, three others were killed on a third vessel in the Caribbean.

At the direction of Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted the strikes. The command described them as “lethal kinetic strikes.”

Moreover, intelligence confirmed the vessels were engaged in narco-trafficking, officials said. Footage released by the military shows each vessel being struck.

However, the Pentagon did not disclose the exact locations of the operations. Still, officials confirmed that no U.S. military personnel were harmed.

In addition, U.S. Southern Command said it remains focused on disrupting drug trafficking networks. The command oversees military operations in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.

Furthermore, officials said forces detected suspicious activity along known trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific. Consequently, they launched the coordinated strikes.

The command stated that Monday night’s operation marked the seventh strike this year against alleged drug-smuggling vessels.

Overall, the United States has now carried out at least 41 strikes targeting suspected drug-running boats. According to U.S. Southern Command, those operations have killed 144 people in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.

Officials say these actions form part of a broader effort. Specifically, they aim to dismantle narco-terrorist networks operated by designated terrorist organizations.

While details remain limited, the military emphasized that the operation achieved its objective. No American forces suffered injuries.

As counter-narcotics efforts continue, U.S. Southern Command says it will maintain pressure on trafficking networks that threaten U.S. interests in the region.

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