The U.S. military executed a series of overnight strikes targeting a convoy of three vessels operated by groups identified as terrorist organizations involved in drug trafficking, according to a statement released by U.S. Southern Command on Wednesday.

Southern Command reported that the mission was carried out by Joint Task Force Southern Spear, following directives from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, as referred to by the command.

The targeted vessels were navigating well-known drug trafficking routes in international waters when U.S. forces launched the operation. This action followed intelligence findings that confirmed the exchange of narcotics between the ships, Southern Command detailed.

During the initial engagement, three individuals on board the first vessel were killed, as confirmed by the command.

Footage captured a precision strike on a narco-terror vessel in international waters on Wednesday, December 31. (Source: 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.