The United States military conducted a deadly operation against a vessel suspected of being linked to terrorist groups in the Eastern Pacific. This action, confirmed by the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM), targeted what authorities described as an ongoing drug trafficking mission.

The directive for the assault came from SOUTHCOM Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan. He authorized the Joint Task Force Southern Spear to strike after receiving intelligence that confirmed the presence of a low-profile vessel navigating established drug trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific.

This vessel was allegedly involved in drug trafficking activities.

Such low-profile vessels, often known as “narco-subs,” are built to avoid detection and are commonly utilized to transport narcotics from South America to destinations in Central America or Mexico.

Video footage captured the boat in motion prior to the strike. (Courtesy of U.S. Southern Command)

Following the strike, three individuals suspected to be involved in narco-terrorism survived. USSOUTHCOM reported that the U.S. Coast Guard was promptly informed to initiate a search and rescue operation for these survivors.

It is unclear how many people died in the attack. No U.S. military forces were harmed, according to officials.

Video showed a bright flash during the kinetic strike. (U.S. Southern Command)

The strike comes weeks after the Pentagon carried out a lethal strike on a vessel allegedly carrying suspected narco-traffickers in the Eastern Pacific, killing six people on board.

The March 8 strike was also ordered by Donovan, who took over SOUTHCOM in January.

Six men on the ship were killed, but no U.S. forces died in the attack.

Video showed the boat after the strike. (U.S. Southern Command)

At least 156 people have been killed in alleged drug smuggling ship strikes ordered by the Trump administration, according to The New York Times.