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As stated by a senior military official, the American military carried out a fatal strike on a vessel in the eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of four people.

“Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a deadly attack on a vessel linked to a Designated Terrorist Organization in open sea. Surveillance confirmed the vessel was transiting along a known drug smuggling route and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. A total of four male drug traffickers were eliminated, and no US military forces were injured.”

Background and Recent Strikes

The statement comes a day after a declaration regarding a naval blockade of all targeted oil tankers entering and leaving 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 increase the military buildup.

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

Administration Defends Actions Amidst Pressure

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 success, saying it has stopped drugs from reaching US shores and has pushed back on concerns that it is stretching the limits of lawful warfare.

While the administration has stated the operation is about stopping drugs headed to the US, remarks from a senior aide seemed to suggest a wider political objective. In a recently published interview, the senior advisor said the president “wants 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 sitting government.