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As stated by a high-ranking defense spokesperson, the American military carried out a fatal kinetic engagement on a boat in the eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of four people.

“A US joint task force conducted a deadly attack on a craft operated by a terrorist group in international waters. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along a established drug smuggling route and was engaged in illicit drug transport. A total of four male drug traffickers were killed, and no US military forces were injured.”

Background and Prior Actions

The statement comes a day after an announcement regarding a naval blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers to and from Venezuela. In that announcement on online platforms, the American leader accused Venezuela of using oil profits to fund narcotics smuggling and criminal activities, vowing to increase the military presence.

Only on the previous day, the Pentagon stated it had conducted strikes on three boats suspected of smuggling narcotics in the Pacific, killing eight people. Since 2 September, more than 20 military engagements have killed at least 99 individuals, the majority off the coast of Venezuela.

Government Defends Actions Amidst Scrutiny

The administration has faced growing pressure to release video of a September 2nd vessel attack. However, the defense secretary have refused to do so. The administration has defended its campaign as a successful operation, arguing it has prevented drugs from entering US shores and has dismissed concerns that it is exceeding the bounds of legal military action.

While the administration has stated the operation is about halting drugs headed to the US, remarks from a top official seemed to confirm a wider geopolitical aim. In a recently published interview, the senior advisor said the president “aims to keep on blowing boats up until Venezuela's president cries uncle.”

This indicates the military campaign may be part of a strategy to oust Venezuela's current leadership.