WASHINGTON, February 12, 2026 — U.S. Southern Command executed a new operation against a vessel suspected of drug trafficking in the Pacific Ocean this Monday, resulting in two fatalities and one survivor. The incident underscores the ongoing U.S. efforts to disrupt illicit drug routes and combat criminal activity in the region.
Escalating Pacific Interdictions
U.S. forces are increasing pressure on suspected drug traffickers in the Eastern Pacific.
- The U.S. Southern Command confirmed the operation, ordered by General Francis L. Donovan, who assumed command on February 5.
- Intelligence indicated the vessel was actively involved in drug trafficking operations while traversing known trafficking routes.
- This attack is the 41st such operation conducted in international waters since August 2025.
- A separate operation with Colombian forces led to the seizure of 10 tons of cocaine and the arrest of four suspects.
Following the attack, the U.S. Coast Guard initiated a search and rescue operation to assist the surviving crew member. According to a statement released by the Southern Command, “Intelligence confirmed that the vessel was transiting known drug trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was participating in drug trafficking operations.” The command further stated, “Two narcoterrorists died and one survived the attack. Following the attack, US Southern Command immediately notified the US Coast Guard to activate the search and rescue system for survivor.”
This latest incident comes just a week after Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s visit to Washington, D.C., where he met with President Donald Trump following a period of strained relations. The increased U.S. military presence in international waters, initially focused on the Caribbean, preceded the January 3rd intervention in Caracas that resulted in the detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Representative Cilia Flores, who were subsequently transferred to a federal prison in New York.
The U.S. also collaborated with Colombian armed forces on Monday to intercept a submarine in the Pacific, successfully destroying 10 tons of cocaine and apprehending four individuals. This coordinated effort highlights the deepening security partnership between the two nations in the fight against drug cartels.
What is the extent of U.S. operations against drug trafficking? Since August 2025, the U.S. has carried out 41 operations targeting vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking in international waters.
The ongoing operations reflect a commitment to disrupting the flow of illicit drugs into the United States and dismantling the criminal networks responsible for their distribution. The U.S. Southern Command continues to monitor the region and collaborate with international partners to address the evolving threat posed by drug trafficking organizations.
