The US military conducted a lethal strike on an alleged drug-trafficking boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean on February 9, 2026, killing two individuals and leaving one survivor, amid ongoing operations targeting narcotics networks.
The United States Southern Command confirmed that a kinetic strike was carried out on Monday, February 9, against a vessel suspected of drug trafficking in international waters. The attack resulted in two fatalities, with one person surviving the engagement, prompting the activation of search and rescue operations by the US Coast Guard. This incident marks the third publicly acknowledged strike this year as part of Operation Southern Spear, a campaign initiated by the Trump administration to combat drug smuggling from Latin America. The military has labeled those killed as “narco-terrorists,” though it has provided limited evidence to substantiate these claims.
According to statements from US Southern Command, the strike was directed by General Francis L. Donovan and executed by Joint Task Force Southern Spear. A video released by the command shows the boat being targeted and hit, causing an explosion that left the vessel damaged but partially intact. The survivor’s condition remains unknown, and the Coast Guard, in coordination with Ecuador’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Center, is leading the rescue efforts. This operation follows a similar attack in January that also killed two people and left one survivor, highlighting a pattern of deadly engagements in the region.
Operation Southern Spear began in September 2025 and has since involved numerous strikes on suspected drug boats in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean Sea. To date, these operations have resulted in at least 121 to 130 fatalities, based on tallies from media reports and military disclosures. The Trump administration justifies these actions as necessary measures to disrupt narcotics trafficking, citing a classified Justice Department finding that allows lethal strikes without judicial review. However, the campaign has faced criticism for its legal and ethical implications, with questions raised about the evidence linking targeted individuals to drug cartels.
Legal experts, human rights organizations, and some members of Congress have challenged the legality of the strikes, arguing that they constitute extrajudicial killings. Concerns were notably amplified after reports revealed that a follow-up strike in September 2025 killed survivors clinging to wreckage, which legal scholars say could be a war crime. The administration has publicly offered little proof that each targeted vessel carried drugs or that the individuals were directly involved in trafficking, fueling debates over the proportionality and necessity of the force used.
The ongoing military actions have strained relations with Latin American countries and drawn condemnation from regional leaders who accuse the US of violating sovereignty and international law. The strikes occur against the backdrop of heightened tensions following the US abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in January 2026, which has further complicated diplomatic dynamics. Critics warn that such operations risk escalating conflicts and undermining cooperative efforts to address drug trafficking through legal and multilateral channels.
As the US continues its campaign, the focus remains on the survivor of the latest strike and the effectiveness of search and rescue missions. The military’s reliance on kinetic strikes without transparent oversight raises questions about the long-term strategy and its impact on regional security. With congressional investigations ongoing and legal challenges mounting, the administration may face increased pressure to justify its actions or alter its approach. The outcome of these debates could influence future US policy on drug interdiction and military engagement in international waters.
Information from CNN and Al Jazeera corroborates the basic facts of the strike, including the date, location, and casualties. Both outlets highlight the lack of evidence provided by the military and the legal controversies surrounding Operation Southern Spear. By cross-referencing these reports, it is clear that the event is part of a broader, contentious policy that has significant human and geopolitical costs.
