RESTRICTION: USERS MUST CREDIT “US SOUTHERN COMMAND (SOUTHCOM)” HANDOUT, MUST NOT OBSCURE LOGO —EDITORIAL USE ONLY—

SHOTLIST

EASTERN PACIFIC (NOV. 16, 2025) (US SOUTHERN COMMAND (SOUTHCOM) - RESTRICTED)

1. AERIAL SHOTS OF VESSEL BEING TARGETED AND HIT EASTERN PACIFIC - NOV. 16 - RESTRICTION: USERS MUST CREDIT “US SOUTHERN COMMAND (SOUTHCOM)” HANDOUT, MUST NOT OBSCURE LOGO —EDITORIAL USE ONLY— US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) announced on Sunday, November 16, that a boat allegedly carrying narcotics was struck in the Eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of three people.

SOUTHCOM released footage of the strike on X, stating that the action was carried out under instructions from US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The command claimed the vessel was operating on behalf of a group designated as a terrorist organization by the United States.

The shared footage also asserted that the boat was hit in international waters.

The announcement came after an earlier executive order signed by President Donald Trump, directing increased and more direct military involvement against Latin American drug cartels. In recent months, the United States deployed a naval force, including submarines and warships, off the coast of Venezuela.

SOUTHCOM’s recent strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean region and Pacific Ocean have triggered debate within the international community over allegations of extrajudicial actions.