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According to a senior military official, the American 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 deadly attack on a craft operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization in international waters. Intelligence verified the vessel was transiting along a known drug smuggling route and was involved in narco-trafficking operations. All four male narco-terrorists were killed, and no American forces were injured.”

Context and Recent Strikes

The statement comes a day after an announcement regarding a naval blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. In that announcement on social media, the American leader alleged Venezuela of using oil revenues to fund drug trafficking and criminal activities, vowing to escalate the military buildup.

Only on the previous day, the Pentagon stated 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 killed at least 99 individuals, the majority off the coast of Venezuela.

Government Defends Tactics Amidst Pressure

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 reaching US shores and has pushed back on concerns that it is exceeding the limits of legal military action.

Although the administration has said the operation is about stopping drugs destined for the US, remarks from a senior aide appeared to confirm a wider geopolitical objective. In a recent interview, the chief of staff said the president “aims to keep on blowing boats up until Venezuela's president surrenders or concedes.”

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