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As stated by a high-ranking military official, the US armed forces executed a lethal kinetic engagement on a vessel in the eastern Pacific, killing four people.

“Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel linked to a Designated Terrorist Organization in open sea. Intelligence verified the vessel was traveling along a established drug smuggling route and was engaged in illicit drug transport. A total of four male narco-terrorists were eliminated, and no American forces were injured.”

Background and Prior Actions

This announcement comes a day after a declaration regarding a blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. That statement on online platforms, the American leader alleged Venezuela of using oil revenues to fund drug trafficking and other crimes, vowing to increase the military buildup.

Just on Tuesday, the Pentagon said it had carried out strikes on three boats it accused of smuggling narcotics in the Pacific, killing eight people. Since 2 September, more than 20 strikes have killed at least 99 people, the majority off the coast of Venezuela.

Government Defends Actions Amid Scrutiny

The government has encountered increasing pressure to release video of a September 2nd vessel attack. But, the defense secretary have declined to do so. The administration has defended its efforts as a successful operation, saying it has prevented drugs from entering US shores and has dismissed concerns that it is stretching the limits of legal military action.

Although the administration has stated the operation is about halting drugs destined for the US, remarks from a top official appeared to confirm a broader political aim. In a recent interview, the chief of staff said the president “wants to keep on destroying vessels until Venezuela's president cries uncle.”

This suggests the series of strikes may be part of a push to remove Venezuela's current government.