Incident Code
Incident Code
Incident Date
Location
Airwars Assessment
On February 9, 2026, the United States military carried out a kinetic strike on a vessel in the Eastern Pacific Ocean allegedly affiliated with “Designated Terrorist Organizations,” reportedly killing two people described as “narco-terrorists”. One other person described as a “narco-terrorist” survived the strike. However, there was no further information found about the rescue operation.
The strike was announced by U.S. Southern Command @Southcom on Twitter/X on February 9th. The statement detailed that “at the direction of #SOUTHCOM Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan” the strike was on a vessel which intelligence confirmed allegedly “was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations.” SOUTHCOM said that it “immediately” notified the U.S. Coast Guard to activate search and rescue.
In a video included in the post from @Southcom, a boat with at least one person visible can be seen moving through the water until an explosion occurs causing flames and smoke.
The @USCGSouthwest posted on Twitter/X later on February 10th that the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center Ecuador had assumed control of search and rescue operations.
There has been no further information found about the supposed survivor. In line with Airwars’ methodology, without information about the outcome of the search and rescue mission, the individual is assumed dead. This is captured in the upper casualty range for the incident.
Methodological note about classification of those killed in this incident
In documenting this incident, Airwars is following the guidance outlined by independent International Human Rights Law and International Humanitarian Law experts, whereby those on the vessels are understood to be civilians, given that the legal framework in which the strikes are being conducted remains in question.
Airwars has therefore included a civilian casualty count of two to three deaths.
Assessment Updates
Geolocation Notes
Reports of the incident mention a strike in the Eastern Pacific. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The location of this incident will be further specified if more information comes to light.