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According to a high-ranking military official, the American armed forces carried out a fatal strike on a boat in the eastern Pacific, killing four individuals.

“Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a deadly attack on a craft linked to a Designated Terrorist Organization in international waters. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along a known drug smuggling route and was involved in narco-trafficking operations. A total of four male narco-terrorists were killed, and no US military forces were injured.”

Background and Prior Strikes

The statement comes a day after a declaration regarding a blockade of all targeted oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. In that announcement on online platforms, the American leader alleged Venezuela of using oil profits to fund narcotics smuggling and criminal activities, pledging to increase the military presence.

Only on Tuesday, the Pentagon said it had conducted strikes on three boats it accused of smuggling narcotics 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, the majority off the coast of Venezuela.

Government Justifies Tactics Amidst Scrutiny

The administration has encountered growing pressure to release video of a September 2nd vessel attack. But, officials have refused to do so. The administration has defended its campaign as a success, arguing it has stopped drugs from reaching US shores and has pushed back on concerns that it is stretching the bounds of lawful warfare.

Although the administration has said the operation is about halting drugs headed to the US, comments from a top official seemed to suggest a broader political aim. In a recently published interview, the chief of staff remarked the leader “wants to keep on blowing boats up until the Venezuelan president surrenders or concedes.”

This indicates the military campaign may be part of a strategy to oust Venezuela's current leadership.