US launches first drug boat strike of 2026, killing two and leaving one survivor

Published January 23, 2026 8:50pm ET



The Department of War launched its first strike of 2026 on a suspected drug-carrying boat Friday evening.

U.S. Southern Command announced that the strike targeted a vessel operated by members of Designated Terrorist Organizations. Friday’s mission also marks the first strike since the Trump administration ousted former Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro from power.

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