A sixth U.S. strike targeting a vessel in the Caribbean in recent weeks came as President Donald Trump announced a military buildup in the area. CBS News' Ellee Watson reports.

The U.S. military has conducted another strike on a suspected drug-carrying vessel in the Caribbean, with reports indicating that some individuals on board survived. This is the first known instance of survivors among six such strikes in recent weeks, which have previously resulted in nearly 30 fatalities. The operations are part of an expanded military role in anti-drug missions, traditionally managed by the Department of Homeland Security.

The latest strike occurs as Congress raises questions about the broader objectives of these missions. Additionally, Admiral Alvin Halsey, head of U.S. Southern Command overseeing the operations, has announced an early retirement, a move that follows reported tensions with Secretary Hegseth. His departure will prompt a Senate confirmation hearing for his successor, where the ongoing mission is expected to be scrutinized.

Survivors reported after latest U.S. strike in Caribbean

A U.S. official tells CBS News the U.S. military has carried out yet another strike on a suspected drug-carrying boat in the Caribbean. It's the first known attack where some of the people on board apparently survived. This comes as some members of Congress are now questioning the endgame of these strikes. I want to bring in CBS News Pentagon reporter Eleanor Watson, who's joining me now from Washington. So, Ellie, what more do we know about this latest strike, and how do we know that people survived? Yeah, well, Vlad, this is the sixth known strike against a vessel in the Caribbean in just over the past month-and-a-half. And as you said, it's the first one that officials tell us there may have been survivors. We still don't know who specifically was on that boat, what conducted the strike and where the survivors are now, or what they were carrying. But all of the previous strikes were conducted against alleged drug boats, killing nearly 30 people in total. The strikes are part of an expanded use of the military for missions against drug cartels that have historically been handled by the Department of Homeland Security using interdictions. And amidst this now-military mission, there are about 10,000 U.S. forces in the region, including on warships like destroyers and on bases in Puerto Rico. All of that buildup seems a bit like overkill if these strikes remain limited to just drug boats. President Trump, as you've heard, Vlad, over the past few weeks has threatened to expand the use of the strikes to target cartels, not just in the sea, but also on land. Yeah. So, let's talk about the confirmation that CBS News has from the head of U.S. Southern Command, who's been overseeing most of these attacks, has just stepped down. What does that mean? What are you learning? This is a surprising move. Admiral Alvin Halsey, who heads U.S. Southern Command, was only confirmed into the position last year. So this is usually a three- to four-year term. And yesterday announced he will be retiring early at the end of the year. There was a first statement from Secretary Hegseth announcing the early retirement, and then a statement from the admiral himself, but neither of the two men gave a reason. Officials tell us there have been tensions between Hegseth and Halsey for a while now. And one official even said there was speculation that he would be fired in the days leading up to yesterday's announcement. He joins a number of officials, over a dozen senior top military leaders, who have either been fired by Hegseth or have uncharacteristically resigned early. But his retirement at the end of the year will tee up a confirmation hearing in the Senate for his replacement, soon-to-be-named replacement, where senators can ask questions about the mission in the Caribbean and where it's going. Very surprising move, indeed. Ellie Watson, always good to have you. Thank you very much. Appreciate you.

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