A U.S. military drone targeted a vessel suspected of drug smuggling in the Caribbean on Thursday, resulting in two to three individuals surviving the attack, according to statements made by a U.S. official to Fox News.

The vessel, which was described as “large” by the source, was partially submerged and operating in international waters when the strike occurred.

Following the incident, the U.S. military deployed search and rescue operations, including the dispatch of a rescue helicopter. However, it remains uncertain whether any of the survivors were successfully rescued, as per the official’s account.

The official also mentioned that the severity of the survivors’ injuries has not been determined at this time.

President Donald Trump has previously ordered military action against Venezuelan drug trafficking vessels. (@realDonaldTrump via Truth Social/AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

As initially reported by Reuters, this incident is the first recorded case where there have been survivors since the U.S. initiated its campaign of targeted strikes on suspected drug smuggling boats.

The drone-fired strike marked at least the sixth known incident in a quiet but intensifying U.S. military campaign targeting drug boats. 

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.