U.S. Coast Guard Searches for Survivors After Strikes on Suspected Narco-Terrorist Vessels in Eastern Pacific
SAN DIEGO, Calif. — The U.S. Coast Guard is conducting an extensive search for survivors following coordinated strikes on three suspected narco-terrorist vessels in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. The operation, carried out late last week, targeted a convoy of drug trafficking ships believed to be operated by designated terrorist organizations. According to officials, the vessels were intercepted approximately 400 nautical miles southwest of the Mexico-Guatemala border while transferring narcotics between them in international waters.
Three individuals identified as narco-terrorists were killed aboard the first vessel during the strike, while crews on the other two ships abandoned their vessels before they were sunk in follow-on engagements. The exact number of survivors remains unknown, prompting the Coast Guard to deploy a HC-130J aircraft from Sacramento, California, to conduct search and rescue operations over a wide area exceeding 1,000 nautical miles.
“Search efforts began immediately after we received notification from the Department of Defense about persons in the water,” a Coast Guard spokesperson said. The search has since involved more than 65 hours of coordinated efforts, including collaboration with partner nations, commercial fishing vessels, and participants in the Automated Mutual-Assistance Vessel Rescue (AMVER) system. The Coast Guard also issued urgent marine information broadcasts to alert mariners operating in the vicinity.
The strikes were part of a broader campaign by the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) to disrupt narcotics trafficking routes in the region. SOUTHCOM released video footage showing kinetic strikes on the vessels, confirming the neutralization of the convoy. A subsequent strike on Wednesday resulted in the deaths of five additional suspected narco-terrorists aboard two more vessels linked to designated terrorist organizations.
This operation underscores the ongoing challenges posed by narco-terrorism, where drug trafficking groups use violent tactics and operate with the sophistication of terrorist entities. The U.S. Coast Guard, in partnership with the Department of Defense and international allies, continues to prioritize disrupting these networks to safeguard maritime security and regional stability.
Meanwhile, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro stated that his government is “ready” to negotiate with the United States on matters related to drugs and oil following the recent military actions. The geopolitical implications of these strikes highlight the complex intersection of drug trafficking, terrorism, and diplomatic relations in the Western Hemisphere.
For more information on the U.S. Coast Guard’s ongoing maritime security efforts, visit the U.S. Coast Guard official website. Details on SOUTHCOM’s role in counter-narcotics operations can be found at the U.S. Southern Command portal. The Department of Homeland Security also provides updates on national security initiatives, including maritime interdiction. For broader context on narcotics trafficking and terrorism, the U.S. Department of State Office of Counterterrorism offers extensive resources.
The search and rescue mission continues as officials work to locate any survivors and prevent further illicit trafficking in this critical maritime corridor.
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