SOUTHCOM: Lethal Kinetic Strike on Narco-Trafficking Vessel in Caribbean, Killing Three

CARIBBEAN - On February 13, Joint Task Force Southern Spear, directed by U.S. Southern Command commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, carried out a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations.

Intelligence assessments by U.S. Southern Command established that the vessel navigated known narco-trafficking routes in the Caribbean and participated in associated operations. The engagement led to the deaths of three individuals identified in official accounts.​

No U.S. military personnel were reported to have been injured. This incident integrates into Operation Southern Spear, established in September 2025, which has encompassed more than 20 similar engagements by early 2026.

The effort addresses networks connected to Venezuelan-based entities designated as foreign terrorist organizations under Executive Order 14157, with aims centered on upholding regional security and impeding the transit of controlled substances toward the United States.

The operation corresponds to sustained U.S. measures against groups such as the Cartel of the Suns, designated under Executive Order 14157 in November 2025. Official evaluations have underscored the goal of maintaining operational pressure on these entities, noted for their involvement in regional activities.

Parallel engagements took place on February 9 and February 5, 2026, each yielding reported fatalities among targeted individuals without U.S. casualties.

These initiatives indicate a methodical strategy sanctioned by the administration, concentrating on maritime interventions.

Available records show no public declarations from Venezuelan officials concerning the February 13 strike, in line with observations from earlier operations in international waters.

Official Statements

• “On Feb. 13, at the direction of the commander of U.S. Southern Command, Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Caribbean and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. Three narco-terrorists were killed during this action. No U.S. military forces were harmed.” (U.S. Southern Command, February 13, 2026)

• “On Feb. 9, at the direction of SOUTHCOM commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. Two narco-terrorists were killed and one survived the strike. Following the engagement, USSOUTHCOM immediately notified U.S. Coast Guard to activate the Search and Rescue system for the survivor.” (U.S. Southern Command, February 9, 2026)

• “On Feb. 5, at the direction of SOUTHCOM Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. Two narco-terrorists were killed during this action. No U.S. military forces were harmed.” (U.S. Southern Command, February 5, 2026)

• “Operation Southern Spear has restored deterrence against the narco-terrorist cartels that profit from poisoning Americans and killing our people and your people.” (Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, November 21, 2025)