Photo: US Southern Command / AFP

The United States military reported on Friday (May 8, 2026) that it targeted another suspected drug-trafficking vessel in the Eastern Pacific, leaving two individuals dead and one survivor.

This latest strike follows dozens of similar operations conducted by U.S. forces in recent months against suspected "narco-boats." These actions are part of a concentrated military offensive by Washington that has resulted in at least 189 deaths to date.

U.S. Southern Command (Southcom) stated that one individual survived the attack, though their current condition was not specified. Officials added that the U.S. Coast Guard has been notified to initiate a search and rescue mission.

Consistent with reports from previous engagements, the Command stated on X (formerly Twitter) that the vessel was "operated by designated terrorist organizations" and that "intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting known drug trafficking routes."

Video footage accompanying the official post depicts a small craft shortly before being struck by a projectile, followed by a large explosion.

The administration of President Donald Trump initiated these kinetic strikes in early September. The administration maintains that the United States is effectively at war with what it characterizes as "narcoterrorists" operating out of Latin America. However, officials have faced scrutiny for providing limited evidence to confirm that the targeted vessels were indeed transporting narcotics at the time of their destruction. (CubaSí)