U.S. Southern Command conducted a lethal strike on a suspected drug smuggling vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean on May 29, resulting in three deaths and no American military casualties.

The attack was carried out by Joint Task Force Southern Spear at the direction of Gen. Francis L. Donovan, commander of U.S. Southern Command. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was operating along known narcotics trafficking routes in the region.

The Strike

Video footage released by SOUTHCOM shows a small boat on the ocean before being struck and engulfed in flames. The footage then captures the vessel burning with debris scattered across the water’s surface.

The strike marks the latest in a series of U.S. military operations against drug trafficking vessels. Since early September, similar strikes have resulted in a total of 202 deaths, with two additional operations announced earlier this week.

Military Operations

The Trump administration has characterized U.S. actions as part of an armed conflict with Latin American drug cartels, which officials say are responsible for the flow of narcotics into American communities.

Gen. Donovan met with Cuban military leaders near the U.S. Navy base at Guantanamo Bay on Friday, as part of ongoing regional coordination efforts.