US has struck another alleged drug-smuggling boat, US Southern Command says

The Guardian US News
by Robert Mackey and agencies
March 20, 2026
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3 min read

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U.S. forces conducted lethal strike on suspected drug-smuggling boat in eastern Pacific, killing two and injuring one.

AI Summary

US Southern Command announced Friday that American forces conducted a "lethal kinetic strike" against a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in the eastern Pacific, resulting in two deaths and one survivor. The military said it immediately activated Coast Guard search-and-rescue operations for three people who survived the strike, with the US Coast Guard later recovering two bodies and one survivor who were transferred to Costa Rican authorities. The strike represents the latest in a series of direct military operations targeting alleged narcotics trafficking in the region, where the US has intensified enforcement efforts against drug smuggling operations transiting toward North America.

What's Being Done

U.S. Southern Command announced the operation and activated Coast Guard Search and Rescue; one survivor was recovered by Costa Rican coast guard.

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