Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre says the Government of Saint Lucia is actively working to verify reports that at least two Saint Lucians were among three individuals killed when a fishing vessel was destroyed in a United States drone strike.
Speaking Monday morning ahead of the weekly Cabinet meeting of Ministers, Prime Minister Pierre sought to reassure the nation that the government is treating the matter with urgency and seriousness. “Today, I addressed reports circulating across the region that have raised concern among our citizens,” Pierre stated. “Let me assure the nation: the Government of Saint Lucia is actively engaging through established diplomatic and security channels to verify the facts. We will communicate confirmed information to the public promptly and responsibly.”
The Prime Minister emphasized that the government’s response is being guided by a disciplined and measured approach. “In matters affecting national security and regional stability, speculation has no place. Our approach is disciplined, fact-based, and guided by the singular priority of protecting the people and interests of Saint Lucia,” he added.
Reports indicate that the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), which oversees military operations in Latin America and the Caribbean, carried out what it described as a “lethal kinetic strike” on Friday, killing three individuals aboard the vessel.
The US military claimed the strike targeted individuals suspected of involvement in drug trafficking, describing those killed as “narco-terrorists.” However, no evidence supporting the allegations has been publicly released.
SOUTHCOM also released video footage appearing to show a missile striking the vessel, which was engulfed in flames and destroyed.
International law and human rights experts have previously raised concerns about such strikes, describing them as potential extrajudicial executions, even in cases involving suspected drug traffickers.
Preliminary reports suggest that at least one of the passengers on board may have been a resident of Mon Repos, Micoud.
The Government of Saint Lucia has not yet confirmed the identities of those involved and says it will provide further updates as verified information becomes available
