The U.S. military launched overnight kinetic strikes targeting a convoy of three vessels linked to designated terrorist groups involved in narcotics trafficking, as reported by U.S. Southern Command on Wednesday.

This decisive operation was orchestrated by Joint Task Force Southern Spear, acting under the directive of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, according to the title provided by the command. Intelligence indicated that these vessels were navigating established drug trafficking routes in international waters, prompting U.S. forces to intervene upon confirming the illicit transfer of narcotics between the boats.

The initial engagement resulted in the deaths of three individuals aboard the first vessel, as noted by Southern Command. Following this, video footage released by U.S. Southern Command, dated Wednesday, December 31, captures the precise strike on the narco-terror vessel in international waters.

Subsequently, the individuals aboard the remaining two vessels chose to abandon ship before further strikes were carried out, leading to both boats being sunk. This operation underscores the U.S. military’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and associated terrorist activities.

Video shows a kinetic strike on a narco-terror vessel in international waters from Wednesday, Dec. 31. (U.S. Southern Command via X)

The remaining individuals aboard the other two vessels abandoned ship before follow-on strikes were conducted, resulting in both boats being sunk.

Southern Command said the U.S. Coast Guard was immediately notified following the strikes so the search and rescue system could be activated for individuals who entered the water.

The vessels were believed to be part of a coordinated narcotics trafficking operation tied to designated terrorist organizations and were operating outside U.S. territorial waters, the command said.

SOUTHCOM said Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations in international waters on Dec. 29, killing two male narco-terrorists. (U.S. Southern Command)

U.S. Southern Command oversees military operations in Central and South America and the Caribbean, including counter-narcotics missions aimed at disrupting drug trafficking networks that pose a threat to American interests.

Fox News Digital reached out to U.S. Southern Command for additional details but did not immediately receive a response.

This is a developing story, check back later for updates.