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As stated by a high-ranking defense spokesperson, the American armed forces executed a lethal kinetic engagement on a vessel in the eastern Pacific, killing four individuals.

“Joint Task Force Southern Spear carried out a deadly attack on a craft linked to a Designated Terrorist Organization in open sea. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was traveling along a established drug smuggling route and was engaged in illicit drug transport. All four male narco-terrorists were killed, and no American forces were injured.”

Background and Prior Strikes

The statement comes a day after an announcement regarding a blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. That statement on online platforms, the US president accused Venezuela of using oil revenues to fund drug trafficking and other crimes, vowing to increase the military buildup.

Just on the previous day, the Pentagon said it had conducted strikes on three boats it accused of smuggling narcotics in the Pacific, leading to the deaths of eight people. Since 2 September, more than 20 strikes have resulted in the deaths of at least 99 people, most off the coast of Venezuela.

Government Defends Actions Amidst Pressure

The administration has encountered growing pressure to release video of a September 2nd vessel attack. But, officials have declined to do so. The administration has defended its efforts as a success, arguing it has prevented drugs from entering US shores and has pushed back on concerns that it is exceeding the bounds of lawful warfare.

Although the administration has said the operation is about stopping drugs destined for the US, comments from a senior aide appeared to confirm a broader political aim. In a recently published interview, the senior advisor remarked the president “wants to keep on blowing boats up until Venezuela's president surrenders or concedes.”

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