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According to a senior military official, the American military executed a fatal strike on a vessel in the eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of four individuals.

“Joint Task Force Southern Spear carried out a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel linked to a Designated Terrorist Organization in international waters. Intelligence verified the vessel was transiting along a established drug smuggling route and was involved in narco-trafficking operations. A total of four male narco-terrorists were killed, and no US military forces were harmed.”

Context and Recent Strikes

This announcement comes a day after a declaration regarding a blockade of all targeted oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. In that announcement on online platforms, the US president alleged Venezuela of using oil profits to fund narcotics smuggling and other crimes, vowing to escalate the military presence.

Only on the previous day, the Pentagon stated it had conducted strikes on three boats it accused of smuggling narcotics in the Pacific, killing eight people. Beginning on 2 September, over 20 military engagements have killed at least 99 individuals, the majority off the coast of Venezuela.

Government Defends Actions Amidst Pressure

The administration has encountered growing pressure to make public video of a September 2nd vessel attack. However, the defense secretary have refused to do so. The administration has defended its campaign as a success, arguing it has stopped drugs from reaching US shores and has pushed back on concerns that it is stretching the limits of lawful warfare.

Although the administration has stated the campaign is about halting drugs destined for the US, comments from a senior aide seemed to confirm a wider geopolitical objective. In a recent interview, the chief of staff remarked the president “aims to keep on blowing boats up until Venezuela's president surrenders or concedes.”

This indicates the military campaign may be part of a push to remove Venezuela's current leadership.