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According to a high-ranking military spokesperson, the American military carried out a fatal kinetic engagement on a boat in the eastern Pacific, killing four individuals.

“Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a craft operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization in open sea. Surveillance confirmed the vessel was traveling along a known narco-trafficking route and was involved in illicit drug transport. A total of four male narco-terrorists were eliminated, and no American forces were injured.”

Context and Recent Strikes

The statement comes a day after a declaration regarding a naval blockade of all targeted oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. That statement on online platforms, the US president alleged Venezuela of using oil revenues to fund drug trafficking and criminal activities, pledging to increase the military presence.

Only on the previous day, the Pentagon said it had carried out strikes on three boats suspected of trafficking drugs in the Pacific, leading to the deaths of eight people. Since 2 September, over 20 military engagements have resulted in the deaths of at least 99 individuals, most off the coast of Venezuela.

Government Defends Actions Amidst Scrutiny

The government has faced increasing pressure to make public video of a 2 September vessel attack. However, officials have declined to do so. The administration has supported its efforts as a success, saying it has stopped drugs from reaching US shores and has pushed back on concerns that it is stretching the bounds of legal military action.

Although the administration has stated the campaign is about halting drugs headed to the US, remarks from a top official appeared to suggest a wider geopolitical objective. In a recent interview, the chief of staff remarked the leader “wants 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 remove Venezuela's current government.