22.02.2026 07:40
The U.S. military targeted a vessel allegedly carrying drugs in the Eastern Pacific; three people were killed in the attack, raising the total death toll under Operation Southern Cross to 148.
At least 148 people have lost their lives in the U.S. military's air and sea operations in the Pacific so far. This new attack increases the toll of interventions under the controversial "Southern Cross Operation" conducted in international waters.
EXTRAJUDICIAL KILLINGS CONTINUE
Three people were killed in an attack by the U.S. military on a boat accused of drug trafficking in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) stated that the boat was sailing on a known "narcotrafficking route" and was involved in drug operations, declaring that the operation was carried out as a "lethal kinetic strike."
"NO U.S. MILITARY PERSONNEL WERE HARMED"
In a social media message released by the command, it was stated that the attack was carried out by the Southern Cross Task Force on February 20, and the individuals on the boat were described as "drug terrorists." It was noted that U.S. military personnel were not harmed in this intervention.
THE TOLL IS INCREASING
With this latest strike, the number of people who have lost their lives in attacks conducted by the U.S. in the Pacific and the Caribbean under the same scope has reached at least 148. The Washington administration describes this mission as an attempt to stop the flow of drugs from Latin America to the U.S. during the Trump administration.
However, these operations are heavily criticized by international law and human rights experts. Images and reports indicating that civilians on boats were targeted in previous attacks have sparked controversy; criticisms are intensifying regarding the potential for these operations to lead to extrajudicial killings.