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According to a high-ranking defense official, the US military executed a fatal kinetic engagement on a vessel in the eastern Pacific, killing four people.

“Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization in international waters. Intelligence verified the vessel was traveling along a known drug smuggling route and was involved in illicit drug transport. A total of four male narco-terrorists were eliminated, and no American forces were harmed.”

Background and Recent Actions

The statement follows a day after a declaration regarding a naval blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers to and from 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 increase the military presence.

Just on Tuesday, 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 military engagements have killed at least 99 individuals, most off the coast of Venezuela.

Administration Justifies Actions Amidst Scrutiny

The administration has encountered increasing demands to release video of a 2 September vessel attack. But, the defense secretary have refused to do so. The administration has defended its campaign as a successful operation, saying it has prevented drugs from reaching US shores and has dismissed concerns that it is exceeding the limits of legal military action.

Although the administration has stated the operation is about halting drugs headed to the US, comments from a senior aide seemed to suggest a broader geopolitical aim. 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 indicates the military campaign may be linked to a push to oust Venezuela's current leadership.