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As stated by a senior military spokesperson, the American military executed a lethal kinetic engagement on a boat in the Pacific Ocean, killing four individuals.

“Joint Task Force Southern Spear carried out a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel linked to a terrorist group in international waters. Surveillance verified the vessel was transiting along a known drug smuggling route and was involved in narco-trafficking operations. A total of four male drug traffickers were killed, and no American forces were injured.”

Context and Recent Strikes

This announcement follows a day after an announcement regarding a naval blockade of all targeted oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. That statement on online platforms, the US president accused Venezuela of using oil profits to fund drug trafficking and criminal activities, vowing to increase the military buildup.

Just on the previous day, the Pentagon stated it had conducted strikes on three boats it accused of smuggling narcotics in the Pacific, leading to the deaths of eight people. Since 2 September, more than 20 military engagements have resulted in the deaths of at least 99 individuals, most off the coast of Venezuela.

Government Defends Actions Amid Pressure

The administration has encountered increasing pressure to release video of a September 2nd vessel attack. However, officials have declined to do so. The administration has supported its efforts as a success, saying it has stopped drugs from reaching US shores and has pushed back on concerns that it is exceeding the limits of lawful warfare.

Although the administration has stated the operation is about stopping drugs headed to the US, remarks from a senior aide appeared to confirm a wider political aim. In a recent interview, the senior advisor said the president “wants to keep on blowing boats up until Venezuela's president surrenders or concedes.”

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