Marines Blow Up Vessel During Pacific Ocean Interdiction

U.S. Marines and sailors boarded and cleared a vessel of interest before destroying it during a maritime interdiction operation on September 2, 2026.

The operation involved Marines from the Maritime Raid Force, Littoral Combat Force-24, and sailors aboard the USS San Antonio, a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock. Footage shows rigid-hull inflatable boats approaching the vessel, followed by Marines in tactical gear boarding and clearing it before the vessel is blown up.

The operation was part of Littoral Combat Force-24’s deployment supporting Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility.

According to the official description, the deployment supports efforts to disrupt illicit drug trafficking, deter malign actors and protect the homeland through a continuous presence in the region. The identity and ownership of the destroyed vessel were not specified.