🔗 Share this article

As stated by a senior military spokesperson, the US military executed a fatal strike on a vessel in the Pacific Ocean, killing four people.

“Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization in open sea. Surveillance verified the vessel was traveling along a established narco-trafficking route and was involved in narco-trafficking operations. A total of four male narco-terrorists were eliminated, and no US military forces were harmed.”

Background and Recent Actions

The statement comes a day after an announcement regarding a naval blockade of all targeted oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. That statement on social media, the American leader accused Venezuela of using oil profits to fund narcotics smuggling and criminal activities, pledging to increase the military presence.

Just on Tuesday, the Pentagon said it had conducted strikes on three boats suspected of smuggling narcotics 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 Amidst Scrutiny

The administration has faced increasing demands to release video of a September 2nd vessel attack. However, the defense secretary have declined to do so. The administration has defended its efforts as a success, saying it has stopped drugs from entering US shores and has pushed back on concerns that it is stretching the limits of legal military action.

While the administration has said the campaign is about stopping drugs headed to the US, remarks from a senior aide seemed to suggest a broader geopolitical aim. In a recently published interview, the chief of staff remarked the president “aims to keep on blowing boats up until Venezuela's president surrenders or concedes.”

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