The U.S. military conducted lethal strikes on two boats accused of drug smuggling in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing five alleged narco-terrorists and leaving one survivor, U.S. Southern Command announced Sunday.

In the first strike, two men were killed, while one survived after jumping overboard. The second strike killed three men. All were described as male narco-terrorists operating along known trafficking routes in international waters. No U.S. personnel were harmed.

U.S. Southern Command posted videos on X showing the small boats moving across the water before each was engulfed in explosions. The command stated intelligence confirmed the vessels were engaged in narco-trafficking operations, though no physical evidence of drugs was presented.

The attacks occurred under Operation Southern Spear, led by Joint Task Force Southern Spear. This campaign, directed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in previous operations, targets vessels operated by designated terrorist organizations tied to drug cartels.

The strikes are part of an aggressive U.S. effort against Latin American traffickers that began in September 2025. As of late March 2026, the military had conducted at least 47 strikes in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean, killing 163 people, according to tracking by The New York Times. Earlier incidents included strikes killing six on March 8 and 11, and on February 17.

U.S. officials maintain that the operations disrupt cartel networks fueling the flow of illegal drugs into the United States. Survivors are typically handed over to partner nations' coast guards for processing.

Critics argue the strikes have had a limited impact on drug trafficking volumes and raise legal concerns over targeting without boarding vessels or confirming loads. Human rights groups have filed lawsuits on behalf of families of those killed, questioning the evidence and rules of engagement.

The Pentagon has reaffirmed the legality of the actions in international waters against designated threats. The campaign continues amid broader U.S. pressure on Venezuelan leadership and cartel affiliates.