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As stated by a senior defense spokesperson, the US military carried out a fatal kinetic engagement on a vessel in the Pacific Ocean, resulting in the deaths of four people.

“A US joint task force carried out a lethal kinetic strike on a craft operated by a terrorist group in international waters. Intelligence verified the vessel was traveling along a established drug smuggling route and was involved in illicit drug transport. A total of four male drug traffickers were eliminated, and no American forces were harmed.”

Background and Prior Actions

The statement comes a day after an announcement regarding a blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers to and from Venezuela. That statement on social media, the US president accused Venezuela of using oil profits to fund narcotics smuggling and criminal activities, vowing to increase the military presence.

Just on Tuesday, US defense officials stated it had carried out strikes on three boats it accused of smuggling narcotics in the Pacific, killing eight people. Beginning on 2 September, over 20 military engagements have resulted in the deaths of at least 99 individuals, most off the coast of Venezuela.

Administration Defends Actions Amid Pressure

The administration has faced growing demands to release video of a 2 September vessel attack. But, the defense secretary have refused to do so. The administration has supported its efforts as a success, arguing it has prevented drugs from reaching US shores and has pushed back on concerns that it is exceeding the bounds of legal military action.

Although the administration has stated the operation is about halting drugs headed to the US, remarks from a senior aide appeared to suggest a wider geopolitical aim. In a recently published interview, the chief of staff remarked the leader “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 current leadership.