A U.S. official revealed that the U.S. Military carried out a new attack on Thursday against a suspected drugs vessel in the Caribbean. In what seemed to be a world first, survivors were among the crew.

The official who spoke under anonymity did not provide any additional details regarding the incident which was not previously reported.

The Pentagon didn't immediately respond to an inquiry for comment.

Before Thursday's operation U.S. military attacks against suspected drug ships off Venezuela killed at the least 27 people. This raised alarm among legal experts and Democratic legislators who question whether or not they adhered to the laws of warfare.

The Trump administration claims that the United States has already been engaged in a conflict with narco-terrorist groups originating from Venezuela. This makes the strikes legal.

The videos of the Trump administration's previous attacks show that vessels were completely destroyed and no survivors have ever been reported.

The strikes coincide with a buildup of military forces in the Caribbean, including F-35 fighters, nuclear submarines and U.S.-guided cruise missile destroyers. President Donald Trump is escalating a standoff between the Venezuelan government and the United States.

Trump revealed on Wednesday that he had given the Central Intelligence Agency permission to conduct covert missions inside Venezuela. This has added to the speculation in Caracas about the United States' attempt to overthrow Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. (Reporting and editing by Chris Reese; Additional reporting by Idrees Al; Reporting by Phil Stewart)

(source: Reuters)