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

“Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a terrorist group in open sea. Surveillance confirmed the vessel was traveling along a established narco-trafficking route and was engaged in illicit drug transport. A total of 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 social media, the US president alleged Venezuela of using oil revenues to fund narcotics smuggling and other crimes, pledging to increase the military presence.

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

Government Justifies Tactics Amid Scrutiny

The administration has faced growing demands to make public video of a September 2nd vessel attack. However, the defense secretary have declined to do so. The administration has supported its efforts as a successful operation, saying it has prevented drugs from reaching US shores and has pushed back on 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, comments from a senior aide appeared to confirm a broader political aim. In a recently published interview, the senior advisor said the president “wants to keep on blowing boats up until the Venezuelan president cries uncle.”

This suggests the military campaign may be linked to a strategy to oust Venezuela's current government.