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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 people.

“Joint Task Force Southern Spear carried out a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel linked to a terrorist group in international waters. Surveillance verified the vessel was transiting along a known narco-trafficking route and was engaged in illicit drug transport. A total of four male drug traffickers were killed, and no American forces were harmed.”

Background and Prior Actions

This announcement follows a day after an announcement regarding a naval blockade of all targeted oil tankers entering and leaving 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 buildup.

Only on Tuesday, US defense officials said it had conducted strikes on three boats it accused of smuggling narcotics in the Pacific, leading to the deaths of eight people. Beginning on 2 September, more than 20 military engagements have resulted in the deaths of at least 99 people, most off the coast of Venezuela.

Government Justifies Actions Amidst Pressure

The administration has encountered growing pressure to make public video of a September 2nd vessel attack. However, the defense secretary have refused to do so. The administration has supported its efforts as a successful operation, saying it has prevented drugs from reaching US shores and has dismissed concerns that it is exceeding the bounds of lawful warfare.

Although the administration has stated the campaign is about halting drugs headed to the US, remarks from a top official seemed to suggest a wider geopolitical aim. In a recent interview, the senior advisor said the president “aims to keep on blowing boats up until the Venezuelan president surrenders or concedes.”

This suggests the series of strikes may be part of a push to oust Venezuela's current leadership.