US Southern Command

US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) oversees military operations in Latin America and the Caribbean. It's in the news due to a recent surge in lethal strikes against vessels in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean Sea, which they claim are involved in "narco-trafficking." These strikes have resulted in the deaths of over 160 people since September 2025. SOUTHCOM asserts these actions target "Designated Terrorist Organizations" without providing specific evidence in most announcements. The frequency of these strikes, sometimes multiple within a week, and the high number of casualties, have drawn attention and raised concerns from rights groups about their legality and justification. The US military coordinates with the Coast Guard after these strikes, as seen in the Costa Rican coast guard involvement. The ongoing campaign reflects the US's continued focus on combating drug trafficking in the region.