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According to a senior military spokesperson, the American military carried out a lethal kinetic engagement on a boat in the Pacific Ocean, resulting in the deaths of four people.

“A US joint task force conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a craft operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization in international waters. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was traveling along a known drug smuggling route and was engaged in illicit drug transport. A total of four male drug traffickers were eliminated, and no American forces were injured.”

Background and Prior Actions

This announcement follows a day after a declaration regarding a blockade of all targeted oil tankers to and from Venezuela. In that announcement on online platforms, the American leader alleged Venezuela of using oil profits to fund drug trafficking and other crimes, vowing to escalate the military presence.

Only on Tuesday, US defense officials said it had carried out strikes on three boats it accused of smuggling narcotics in the Pacific, leading to the deaths of eight people. Beginning on 2 September, over 20 military engagements have resulted in the deaths of at least 99 people, most off the coast of Venezuela.

Government Justifies Tactics Amid Pressure

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

Although the administration has stated the campaign is about stopping drugs destined for the US, remarks from a top official seemed to confirm a wider political aim. In a recent interview, the senior advisor said the leader “aims to keep on blowing boats up until Venezuela's president cries uncle.”

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