US destroys another alleged drug boat in Pacific, killing 2

South China Morning PostEN 1 min read 100% complete by Associated PressFebruary 6, 2026 at 05:39 AM

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The US military reported destroying a vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean on Thursday, alleging it was involved in drug trafficking. US Southern Command stated the boat was traveling along known drug routes and engaged in narcotics operations, resulting in two fatalities. A video released by the command shows the boat exploding after being struck. The announcement followed a claim by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that recent strikes in the Caribbean had caused some cartel leaders to halt drug operations indefinitely. However, neither US Southern Command nor the Pentagon provided details or confirmation regarding Hegseth's assertion.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

US Defence Secretary 40% Caribbean 40% Pentagon 50% Drug Cartel 60% Pete Hegseth ×360% Pacific Ocean 70% Eastern Pacific Ocean ×270% US Southern Command ×280% United States ×490%

Keywords

drug trafficking 100% kinetic strike 80% us southern command 70% pacific ocean 60% vessel 60% narcotics operations 50% cartel 50% pete hegseth 40%

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Negative

Score: -0.30

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Source

South China Morning Post

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85%

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United States

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drug trafficking kinetic strike us southern command pacific ocean vessel narcotics operations cartel pete hegseth

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