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As stated by a senior defense official, the US military executed a fatal strike on a boat in the eastern Pacific, killing four individuals.

“Joint Task Force Southern Spear carried out a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization in open sea. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along a established drug smuggling route and was engaged in illicit drug transport. A total of four male narco-terrorists were killed, and no US military forces were injured.”

Context and Recent Actions

This announcement follows a day after an announcement regarding a naval blockade of all targeted oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. In that announcement on social media, the US president alleged Venezuela of using oil profits to fund drug trafficking and criminal activities, vowing to increase the military buildup.

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

Government Defends Tactics Amid Pressure

The administration has encountered growing pressure to release video of a September 2nd vessel attack. But, the defense secretary have declined to do so. The administration has supported its campaign as a successful operation, arguing it has stopped drugs from reaching US shores and has pushed back on concerns that it is exceeding the limits of lawful warfare.

While the administration has said the operation is about halting drugs destined for the US, remarks from a senior aide appeared to suggest a wider geopolitical aim. In a recently published interview, the chief of staff said the leader “wants to keep on blowing boats up until Venezuela's president cries uncle.”

This suggests the military campaign may be part of a push to oust Venezuela's current government.