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As stated by a high-ranking military official, the US armed forces executed a fatal kinetic engagement on a boat in the eastern Pacific, killing four individuals.

“A US joint task force carried out a deadly attack on a craft operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization 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 killed, and no US military forces were injured.”

Background and Prior Actions

This announcement follows a day after an announcement regarding a naval blockade of all targeted oil tankers to and from Venezuela. That statement on online platforms, the American leader alleged Venezuela of using oil revenues to fund narcotics smuggling and other crimes, vowing to increase the military buildup.

Only on the previous day, US defense officials 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 killed at least 99 people, most off the coast of Venezuela.

Administration Justifies Tactics Amidst Scrutiny

The administration has faced increasing pressure to make public video of a September 2nd vessel attack. However, the defense secretary have refused to do so. The administration has defended its campaign as a success, saying it has stopped drugs from reaching US shores and has dismissed concerns that it is exceeding the limits of lawful warfare.

Although the administration has said the campaign is about stopping drugs destined for the US, comments from a top official seemed to suggest a wider geopolitical objective. In a recently published interview, the senior advisor said the president “aims to keep on blowing boats up until the Venezuelan president cries uncle.”

This indicates the series of strikes may be part of a strategy to remove Venezuela's current government.