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As stated by a senior military official, the American armed forces carried out a lethal kinetic engagement on a vessel in the Pacific Ocean, resulting in the deaths of four people.

“A US joint task force conducted a deadly attack on a vessel operated by a terrorist group in open sea. Intelligence verified the vessel was transiting along a established narco-trafficking route and was involved in illicit drug transport. A total of four male drug traffickers were eliminated, and no US military forces were injured.”

Context and Prior Actions

This announcement follows a day after an announcement regarding a blockade of all targeted oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. In that announcement on social media, the US president alleged Venezuela of using oil profits to fund narcotics smuggling and other crimes, pledging to escalate the military buildup.

Just on Tuesday, US defense officials stated it had conducted 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 people, the majority off the coast of Venezuela.

Government Defends Tactics Amidst Scrutiny

The administration has faced increasing demands to make public video of a September 2nd vessel attack. But, the defense secretary have declined to do so. The administration has defended its campaign as a successful operation, arguing it has prevented drugs from reaching US shores and has dismissed concerns that it is stretching the limits of legal military action.

While the administration has said the operation is about halting drugs destined for the US, comments from a senior aide appeared to confirm a broader political aim. In a recently published interview, the senior advisor said the leader “wants to keep on destroying vessels until the Venezuelan president cries uncle.”

This indicates the military campaign may be linked to a push to remove Venezuela's current leadership.