U.S. Southern Command conducted a lethal strike on February 13, 2026, targeting a vessel in the Caribbean alleged to be involved in narco-trafficking by terrorist-linked groups, killing three people with no U.S. casualties.
Strike Details
Joint Task Force Southern Spear hit the boat based on intelligence of its route and operations. Aerial video showed the explosion, but no public evidence was released on cargo, identities, or vessel ties.
Broader Campaign
- Resumed late January post-Nicolás Maduro’s January 3 arrest (now in NY jail on narco-terrorism/cocaine charges; pleads not guilty).
- Since September 2025: 38+ strikes (Caribbean/Pacific), 133+ killed (per reports); Trump admin defends as vital to block U.S. drug inflows, claims some cartels halting ops.
- Monday prior: Eastern Pacific strike killed 2, 1 survivor.
Controversy
Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro met Trump last week, slamming strikes as war crimes after repeated criticism. No independent verification; echoes concerns over rules of engagement.
Ties to escalating U.S. anti-cartel ops under current leadership. Shifts from Epstein focus—any links to your interests in regs or privacy?
