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As stated by a senior military official, the US military executed a lethal strike on a vessel in the Pacific Ocean, resulting in the deaths of four people.

“A US joint task force carried out a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a terrorist group in open sea. Surveillance verified the vessel was transiting along a established narco-trafficking route and was involved in narco-trafficking operations. A total of four male drug traffickers were killed, and no American forces were harmed.”

Background and Prior Actions

This announcement comes 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 accused Venezuela of using oil profits to fund narcotics smuggling and criminal activities, vowing to escalate the military presence.

Only on the previous day, the Pentagon stated 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 killed at least 99 individuals, most off the coast of Venezuela.

Administration Defends Tactics Amidst Pressure

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

Although the administration has stated the campaign is about stopping drugs destined for the US, comments from a top official seemed to confirm a broader political objective. In a recently published interview, the chief of staff said the leader “aims to keep on blowing boats up until Venezuela's president surrenders or concedes.”

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