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As stated by a high-ranking defense spokesperson, the US military carried out a lethal strike on a vessel in the Pacific Ocean, resulting in the deaths of four individuals.

“Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a craft operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization in international waters. Surveillance confirmed the vessel was traveling along a established drug smuggling route and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. A total of four male narco-terrorists were killed, and no American forces were harmed.”

Context and Recent Strikes

The statement comes a day after an announcement regarding a blockade of all sanctioned 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 presence.

Just on Tuesday, the Pentagon said it had carried out strikes on three boats it accused of smuggling narcotics in the Pacific, killing eight people. Beginning on 2 September, more than 20 military engagements have killed at least 99 people, the majority off the coast of Venezuela.

Government Justifies Actions Amid Scrutiny

The government has faced increasing pressure to make public video of a September 2nd vessel attack. However, officials have refused to do so. The administration has supported its efforts as a successful operation, arguing it has stopped drugs from entering US shores and has dismissed concerns that it is exceeding the limits of legal military action.

While the administration has said the campaign is about halting drugs destined for the US, remarks from a senior aide seemed to confirm a wider geopolitical objective. In a recent interview, the senior advisor remarked the president “aims to keep on destroying vessels until Venezuela's president cries uncle.”

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