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As stated by a high-ranking military spokesperson, the US military carried out a lethal kinetic engagement on a vessel in the eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of four individuals.

“A US joint task force carried out a deadly attack on a vessel linked to a terrorist group in international waters. Surveillance verified the vessel was traveling along a established narco-trafficking route and was involved in narco-trafficking operations. All four male narco-terrorists were killed, and no American forces were harmed.”

Background and Prior Actions

This announcement follows a day after a declaration regarding a naval blockade of all targeted oil tankers to and from Venezuela. That statement on social media, the American leader accused Venezuela of using oil profits to fund drug trafficking and criminal activities, vowing to increase the military presence.

Just on Tuesday, the Pentagon stated it had carried out strikes on three boats it accused of trafficking drugs in the Pacific, killing eight people. Since 2 September, more than 20 military engagements have killed at least 99 individuals, most off the coast of Venezuela.

Administration Justifies Actions Amidst Pressure

The administration has faced increasing demands to release video of a September 2nd vessel attack. However, the defense secretary have declined to do so. The administration has defended its campaign as a successful operation, arguing it has stopped drugs from reaching US shores and has pushed back on concerns that it is stretching the limits of legal military action.

Although the administration has said the operation is about stopping drugs destined for the US, remarks from a top official seemed to suggest a wider geopolitical aim. In a recent interview, the chief of staff remarked the leader “aims to keep on destroying vessels until Venezuela's president surrenders or concedes.”

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