The United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) has carried out its 65th lethal strike against a vessel suspected of involvement in illegal drug trafficking operations in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. The operation marks the second such strike within a week and the third reported this month.

According to U.S. military officials, the targeted vessel was identified as a high-speed “go-fast” boat believed to be engaged in narcotics smuggling activities. Intelligence reports indicated that the craft was traveling along a known drug-trafficking route and was carrying numerous packages onboard.

The strike was conducted on June 18 under the direction of SOUTHCOM Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan through Joint Task Force Southern Spear. Military assets launched an explosive attack on the vessel, destroying it at sea. Three suspected traffickers were reported killed during the operation. No U.S. personnel were injured.

The latest action follows another strike earlier in the week that reportedly resulted in one fatality and two survivors. U.S. authorities stated that the broader campaign aims to disrupt drug-trafficking networks operating across maritime routes between South America and North America.

The ongoing operations have generated discussion among policymakers, legal experts, and security analysts regarding their effectiveness and legal implications. While U.S. officials maintain that the strikes are intended to combat organized criminal networks involved in drug trafficking, some critics have called for greater transparency regarding the evidence used to identify targets.

SOUTHCOM has not released additional details regarding the identity of those onboard the vessel or the quantity of suspected narcotics involved in the incident. Investigations and monitoring efforts in the region continue.