CRIME & LAW

U.S. Strike Kills Three on Alleged Drug Boat

PUBLISHED Feb 13, 2026, 8:36 PM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 6

Left 17%

Center 83%

Sources: 6

Washington — U.S. Southern Command said Friday that a military strike in the Caribbean killed three people aboard a vessel it identified as engaged in narcotrafficking. A linked video shows a boat exploding. The operation brings reported fatalities to 133 across at least 38 strikes since early September. Officials attributed the action to Joint Task Force Southern Spear and cited intelligence on trafficking routes, but administration representatives have not publicly released verifiable independent evidence connecting each targeted vessel to criminal organizations. The event follows a series of similar operations under the current administration. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Mahnoor A. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Early September — Administration began targeting alleged smuggling boats in Caribbean and eastern Pacific.
Dozens of strikes were carried out over subsequent months under the anti-narcotics campaign.
Nearly six weeks before the latest strike, some outlets reported the capture and detention of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in U.S. custody.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth publicly asserted cartel operations had paused following recent strikes.
Feb. 13 — SOUTHCOM announced a strike in the Caribbean that killed three people aboard an alleged drug boat.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 6
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 1
Neutral:: 5
Distribution:: Left 17%, Center 83%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

U.S. military leadership and policymakers benefited from portraying the strikes as effective interdiction, strengthening deterrence narratives and domestic political messaging on border security.

Who Impacted

Civilians aboard targeted vessels, regional coastal communities, and nations implicated in disputes suffered loss of life, legal controversy, and increased diplomatic tension.