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According to a senior military spokesperson, the American armed forces executed a fatal kinetic engagement on a boat in the eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of four individuals.

“Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a deadly attack on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization in international waters. Surveillance verified the vessel was traveling along a known narco-trafficking route and was involved in narco-trafficking operations. All four male narco-terrorists were eliminated, and no American forces were harmed.”

Background and Recent Actions

This announcement follows a day after a declaration regarding a blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers to and from Venezuela. That statement on social media, the US president accused Venezuela of using oil revenues to fund drug trafficking and other crimes, pledging to increase the military buildup.

Just on Tuesday, the Pentagon said it had carried out strikes on three boats suspected of trafficking drugs in the Pacific, leading to the deaths of eight people. Since 2 September, more than 20 military engagements have killed at least 99 individuals, the majority off the coast of Venezuela.

Administration Defends Actions Amid Pressure

The administration 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 success, arguing it has stopped drugs from reaching US shores and has dismissed concerns that it is stretching the bounds of lawful warfare.

Although the administration has stated the operation is about halting drugs destined for the US, remarks from a top official seemed to confirm a broader geopolitical objective. In a recently published interview, the chief of staff remarked the leader “aims to keep on destroying vessels until the Venezuelan president surrenders or concedes.”

This suggests the series of strikes may be linked to a push to oust Venezuela's sitting leadership.