The Department of War, under President Trump’s directive, carried out a targeted kinetic operation against a vessel linked to a Designated Terrorist Organization engaged in narcotics trafficking in the Eastern Pacific. Intelligence confirmed the ship was involved in illicit drug smuggling along a known transit route and was transporting controlled substances. Two suspected narco-terrorists were aboard during the strike, which occurred in international waters. Both individuals were killed, with no U.S. personnel harmed.
The operation aligns with broader efforts to disrupt transnational criminal networks. The U.S. Coast Guard has intensified counter-drug operations through Operation Pacific Viper, seizing over 40,000 pounds of cocaine since August. Daily interdictions average 1,600 pounds of drugs, with 36 suspected smugglers apprehended. Rear Adm. Douglas Schofield highlighted the Coast Guard’s role in combating drug cartels, emphasizing its unique capabilities in maritime law enforcement.
Recent successes include the seizure of 76,140 pounds of illicit drugs by Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton, marking the largest offload in history. Operations involve coordination with international and interagency partners, with the Joint Interagency Task Force-South monitoring drug trafficking routes. The U.S. Coast Guard remains the lead agency for maritime drug interdiction under Homeland Security’s mission to protect national borders.
