Uncertainty hung over Castries on Monday as Prime Minister Phillip J Pierre acknowledged fatalities linked to a recent United States military operation in the Caribbean Sea, while stressing that key details remain unconfirmed.

In a statement, Pierre said his administration is “actively engaging through established diplomatic and security channels” following reports that alarmed citizens across the region.

“We will communicate confirmed information to the public promptly and responsibly,” he said.

Speaking later at his regular news conference before a Cabinet meeting, the prime minister confirmed loss of life but said critical facts were still missing.

“I can confirm that people lost their lives and to the circumstances I have got no official notification on the circumstances surrounding their deaths,” he told reporters. Asked whether any of the dead were St. Lucians, Pierre replied, “I can confirm that people lost their lives but I got no official notification on anything else.” He added that the matter is being handled by the relevant investigative authorities.

Last Friday, U.S. Southern Command announced that under the direction of Commander General Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear carried out what it described as a “lethal kinetic strike” on a vessel allegedly operated by designated terrorist organizations. The command said intelligence showed the boat was moving along known narco trafficking routes and engaged in drug operations. Three alleged “narco terrorists” were killed and no U.S. personnel were harmed.

Video released by SOUTHCOM appears to show a missile striking a boat, which then erupts in flames.

Over the weekend, the St Vincent Times reported that fishermen discovered wreckage off Canouan in the Grenadines. The bow was visible while much of the hull and engine were submerged. No bodies were reportedly seen. The newspaper said three St Lucians who left for sea last Monday remain missing.

The nationality of those killed has not been disclosed. The governments of St Vincent and the Grenadines and its police have not issued statements.

Human rights lawyers have criticized similar operations. The Trump administration says it has struck at least 36 vessels since September, killing more than 120 people it describes as “narco terrorists.” Pierre urged calm, saying speculation has no place in matters of national security.

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