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As stated by a senior defense spokesperson, the US armed forces executed 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 linked to a terrorist group in international waters. Surveillance confirmed the vessel was transiting along a known narco-trafficking route and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. A total of four male narco-terrorists were killed, and no US military forces were injured.”

Background and Recent Strikes

The statement follows a day after an announcement regarding a blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers to and from Venezuela. That statement on online platforms, the US president accused Venezuela of using oil revenues to fund drug trafficking and criminal activities, vowing to escalate the military buildup.

Only on the previous day, 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, more than 20 strikes have killed at least 99 individuals, the majority off the coast of Venezuela.

Administration Defends Tactics Amidst Pressure

The administration has encountered increasing pressure to release video of a September 2nd vessel attack. But, officials have refused to do so. The administration has defended its efforts as a successful operation, saying it has prevented drugs from reaching US shores and has dismissed concerns that it is exceeding the limits of lawful warfare.

While the administration has said the operation is about stopping drugs destined for the US, remarks from a top official appeared to confirm a broader political objective. In a recently published interview, the chief of staff said the president “aims to keep on blowing boats up until the Venezuelan president surrenders or concedes.”

This indicates the military campaign may be linked to a push to remove Venezuela's sitting government.