Saint Lucia government probes reports of nationals killed in US drone strike

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, Prime Minister Pierre reassured citizens that the government is treating the matter with urgency. “Today, I addressed reports circulating across the region that have raised concern among our citizens,” he said. “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.”

Pierre emphasized that the government’s response is guided by a disciplined, fact-based 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.

According to reports, the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), which oversees military operations in Latin America and the Caribbean, carried out the strike on Friday. The US military described it as a “lethal kinetic strike” targeting individuals suspected of involvement in drug trafficking, calling those killed “narco-terrorists.” No public evidence has been released to support these claims. SOUTHCOM also released video footage showing the vessel engulfed in flames after a missile strike.

International law and human rights experts have previously expressed concerns about such strikes, warning they could amount to 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 confirmed the identities of those killed but says it will provide updates as verified information becomes available.