The US Marine Corps (USMC) announced on 12/2 the conclusion of its search operation for Chukwuemeka Oforah, a 21-year-old service member who fell from the USS Iwo Jima warship into the Caribbean Sea near Venezuela on 7/2. Oforah was confirmed dead after 72 hours of unsuccessful searching.

The USS Iwo Jima warship in the Caribbean Sea in 10/2025. *Photo: USMC*

The search and rescue operation involved multiple forces, including five naval ships and 10 aircraft from the navy, air force, and marine corps.

The USMC is investigating the cause of Oforah's fall into the sea. He is the first US service member to die during Operation Southern Spear, which Washington launched in the Caribbean Sea last year.

According to the administration of President Donald Trump, the operation was conducted to detect and disrupt transnational criminal networks at sea, particularly those involved in drug trafficking.

At least 39 suspected illicit drug vessels have been sunk in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean since the operation began, resulting in dozens of deaths. The USS Iwo Jima amphibious assault ship played a central role in this operation.

Location of the Caribbean Sea. *Graphic: BBC*

The warship also participated in a US raid to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on 3/1. After subduing the Maduros in Caracas, US special forces transported them by helicopter to the Iwo Jima ship, then escorted them to New York for trial.

Pham Giang (According to AFP, ABC, CBS)