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As stated by a senior military spokesperson, the American military executed a lethal kinetic engagement on a boat in the eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of four people.

“A US joint task force carried out a deadly attack on a craft linked to a terrorist group in international waters. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along a known narco-trafficking route and was involved in illicit drug transport. A total of four male narco-terrorists were killed, and no American forces were injured.”

Background and Prior Strikes

This announcement follows a day after a declaration regarding a naval blockade of all targeted oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. In that announcement on online platforms, the American leader alleged Venezuela of using oil profits to fund drug trafficking and other crimes, pledging to increase the military presence.

Just on the previous day, the Pentagon stated it had carried out strikes on three boats suspected of smuggling narcotics in the Pacific, killing eight people. Since 2 September, more than 20 strikes have killed at least 99 individuals, most off the coast of Venezuela.

Administration Justifies Tactics Amidst Pressure

The administration has encountered growing pressure to make public video of a September 2nd vessel attack. But, the defense secretary have refused to do so. The administration has defended its campaign as a success, saying it has stopped drugs from reaching US shores and has pushed back on concerns that it is exceeding the bounds of legal military action.

Although the administration has stated the operation is about stopping drugs headed to the US, comments from a senior aide appeared to confirm a broader political aim. In a recent interview, the senior advisor said the president “aims to keep on destroying vessels until the Venezuelan president cries uncle.”

This suggests the series of strikes may be part of a strategy to oust Venezuela's current leadership.