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As stated by a high-ranking defense official, the US military executed a fatal kinetic engagement on a boat in the Pacific Ocean, killing four individuals.

“Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a craft linked to a Designated Terrorist Organization in open sea. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was traveling along a established narco-trafficking route and was involved in narco-trafficking operations. A total of four male narco-terrorists were eliminated, and no US military forces were harmed.”

Background and Recent Strikes

This announcement comes a day after a declaration regarding a blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. That statement on social media, the US president accused Venezuela of using oil revenues to fund narcotics smuggling and other crimes, vowing to escalate the military presence.

Only on the previous day, US defense officials stated it had carried out strikes on three boats it accused of trafficking drugs in the Pacific, killing eight people. Beginning on 2 September, more than 20 military engagements have resulted in the deaths of at least 99 people, most off the coast of Venezuela.

Administration Justifies Actions Amid Pressure

The government has faced growing demands to make public video of a September 2nd vessel attack. However, the defense secretary have refused to do so. The administration has supported its campaign as a success, arguing it has prevented drugs from entering US shores and has dismissed concerns that it is exceeding the bounds of lawful warfare.

While the administration has said the campaign is about halting drugs destined for the US, comments from a senior aide appeared to suggest a broader political objective. In a recently published interview, the chief of staff said the leader “aims to keep on destroying vessels until Venezuela's president cries uncle.”

This indicates the military campaign may be linked to a strategy to remove Venezuela's sitting leadership.