U.S. boat strikes kill at least 238 in Caribbean and Pacific

U.S. military strikes targeting alleged drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific have resulted in at least 238 deaths since the campaign began in September 2025. Data compiled by USNI News indicates that while the administration has focused on Venezuelan and Colombian crews, evidence shows Caribbean nationals are also among the casualties.

Under the banner of Joint Task Force Southern Spear, U.S. Southern Command reported its latest Caribbean strike on October 4, which killed four people on a “go-fast vessel” operating along narco-trafficking routes. While many strikes in 2026 have shifted to the Eastern Pacific, the Caribbean has seen at least 15 vessels struck as of late March 2026.

Investigations have identified specific victims, including nationals from Trinidad and Tobago and Saint Lucia. Dozens of victims across both regions remain unidentified.