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As stated by a senior military spokesperson, the US military carried out a lethal kinetic engagement on a vessel 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. Intelligence verified the vessel was traveling along a known narco-trafficking route and was involved in illicit drug transport. A total of four male drug traffickers were killed, and no American forces were injured.”

Background and Recent Actions

This announcement comes a day after a declaration regarding a blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers to and from Venezuela. In that announcement on online platforms, the American leader accused Venezuela of using oil profits to fund drug trafficking and other crimes, pledging to increase the military presence.

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

Administration Defends Actions Amid Scrutiny

The government has encountered growing pressure to make public video of a 2 September vessel attack. However, the defense secretary have declined to do so. The administration has defended its efforts as a successful operation, arguing it has stopped drugs from reaching US shores and has pushed back on concerns that it is stretching the bounds of lawful warfare.

While the administration has stated the operation is about stopping drugs headed to the US, comments from a senior aide appeared to suggest a wider political objective. In a recently published interview, the chief of staff said the leader “wants to keep on blowing boats up until Venezuela's president cries uncle.”

This indicates the military campaign may be part of a push to oust Venezuela's sitting government.