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According to a senior military spokesperson, the US military executed a lethal kinetic engagement on a boat in the eastern Pacific, killing four people.

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

Background and Prior Actions

This announcement comes a day after a declaration regarding a blockade of all targeted oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. That statement on online platforms, the American leader accused Venezuela of using oil profits to fund narcotics smuggling and criminal activities, pledging to escalate the military presence.

Only on the previous day, US defense officials said it had conducted strikes on three boats suspected of smuggling narcotics in the Pacific, leading to the deaths of eight people. Beginning on 2 September, over 20 strikes have resulted in the deaths of at least 99 people, most off the coast of Venezuela.

Administration Defends Actions Amidst Scrutiny

The administration has encountered increasing pressure to make public video of a 2 September vessel attack. However, the defense secretary have refused to do so. The administration has defended its efforts as a successful operation, saying it has prevented drugs from reaching US shores and has dismissed concerns that it is exceeding the bounds of lawful warfare.

Although the administration has said the campaign is about stopping drugs destined for the US, comments from a top official appeared to suggest a broader political aim. In a recent interview, the senior advisor remarked the president “aims to keep on destroying vessels until Venezuela's president cries uncle.”

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