US Forces Strike 3 Drug Boats, Killing 11: Pentagon

Since September, U.S. forces have struck 42 drug vessels, killing 144 people, according to a U.S. military spokesperson.

A drug boat burns in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility, after being struck by U.S. forces on Feb. 16, 2025. US Southern Command/Screenshot via The Epoch Times

U.S. forces killed 11 drug runners in a trio of strikes in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean late on Feb. 16, according to the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM).

U.S. Marine Gen. Francis L. Donovan ordered the strikes, SOUTHCOM said in a Feb. 17 statement. Donovan assumed command of SOUTHCOM earlier this month.