A U.S. official has confirmed that a drone strike in the Caribbean on Thursday, targeting a drug smuggling vessel, resulted in two to three survivors.
The source described the partially submerged vessel as “big,” and noted it was operating in international waters at the time it was hit.
The U.S. military deployed search and rescue assets, including a rescue helicopter, but the official stated it is not yet clear whether any of the survivors were successfully rescued.
The extent of their injuries was not immediately known, the official added.
Thursday’s occurrence marks the first documented instance of survivors since U.S. forces launched their campaign of lethal strikes against suspected drug boats.
This drone-fired strike is at least the sixth known incident in an unannounced but escalating U.S. military campaign aimed at drug boats.
The operation began last month and has been connected to President Trump’s broader effort to dismantle transnational cartels through force.
The total number of crewmembers aboard the vessel remains unclear.
This story is still developing. Please check back for future updates.