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According to a high-ranking defense spokesperson, the US military executed a lethal strike on a boat in the Pacific Ocean, resulting in the deaths of four people.

“Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a deadly attack on a craft operated by a terrorist group in open sea. Surveillance confirmed the vessel was transiting along a established narco-trafficking route and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. A total of four male drug traffickers were killed, and no American forces were harmed.”

Context and Prior Actions

This announcement follows a day after an announcement regarding a blockade of all targeted oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. In that announcement on online platforms, the US president accused Venezuela of using oil revenues to fund drug trafficking and criminal activities, vowing to escalate the military buildup.

Only on the previous day, US defense officials said 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 resulted in the deaths of at least 99 individuals, the majority off the coast of Venezuela.

Government Defends Tactics Amidst Pressure

The administration has encountered growing pressure to make public 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 entering US shores and has dismissed concerns that it is stretching the limits of lawful warfare.

While the administration has stated the operation is about halting drugs destined for the US, remarks from a senior aide appeared to confirm a wider geopolitical aim. In a recent interview, the chief of staff said the leader “wants to keep on destroying vessels until Venezuela's president cries uncle.”

This indicates the series of strikes may be part of a strategy to remove Venezuela's sitting government.