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According to a high-ranking military official, the US armed forces carried out 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 deadly attack on a craft operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization in international waters. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along a known narco-trafficking route and was involved in illicit drug transport. A total of four male narco-terrorists were eliminated, and no US military forces were harmed.”

Background and Prior Actions

The statement follows a day after a declaration regarding a blockade of all targeted oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. That statement on social media, the American leader accused Venezuela of using oil profits to fund narcotics smuggling and criminal activities, pledging to escalate the military buildup.

Only on the previous day, the Pentagon said it had conducted strikes on three boats suspected of trafficking drugs in the Pacific, killing eight people. Beginning on 2 September, over 20 military engagements have killed at least 99 individuals, most off the coast of Venezuela.

Administration Justifies Actions Amid Scrutiny

The government has faced increasing pressure to make public video of a September 2nd vessel attack. However, the defense secretary have declined to do so. The administration has supported its campaign as a successful operation, saying it has prevented drugs from reaching US shores and has pushed back on concerns that it is stretching the bounds of lawful warfare.

While the administration has stated the campaign is about halting drugs headed to the US, comments from a top official seemed to suggest a broader political objective. In a recent 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 push to remove Venezuela's current government.