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As stated by a high-ranking defense spokesperson, the US military executed a lethal strike on a vessel in the Pacific Ocean, resulting in the deaths of four people.

“Joint Task Force Southern Spear carried out a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a terrorist group in international waters. Surveillance confirmed the vessel was transiting along a established narco-trafficking route and was involved in narco-trafficking operations. All four male drug traffickers were eliminated, and no American forces were harmed.”

Background and Prior Actions

The statement comes 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 alleged Venezuela of using oil revenues to fund drug trafficking and other crimes, pledging to escalate the military presence.

Just on Tuesday, US defense officials said it had carried out strikes on three boats suspected 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 Scrutiny

The administration has faced growing pressure to make public video of a September 2nd vessel attack. But, officials have declined to do so. The administration has supported its campaign as a success, saying it has stopped drugs from reaching US shores and has dismissed concerns that it is exceeding the limits of lawful warfare.

While the administration has stated the operation is about stopping drugs destined for the US, comments from a senior aide seemed to suggest a wider geopolitical objective. In a recently published interview, the senior advisor remarked the leader “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 oust Venezuela's sitting leadership.