🔗 Share this article

As stated by a high-ranking military spokesperson, the US military carried out a lethal kinetic engagement on a boat in the eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of four individuals.

“Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a deadly attack on a craft operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization in open sea. Surveillance verified the vessel was transiting along a established narco-trafficking route and was engaged in illicit drug transport. All four male narco-terrorists were eliminated, and no American forces were harmed.”

Background and Prior Strikes

This announcement comes a day after an announcement regarding a naval blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers to and from Venezuela. In that announcement on online platforms, the American leader alleged Venezuela of using oil revenues to fund drug trafficking and other crimes, vowing to escalate the military presence.

Only on the previous day, the Pentagon stated it had carried out strikes on three boats it accused of trafficking drugs in the Pacific, killing eight people. Beginning on 2 September, more than 20 strikes have killed at least 99 people, the majority off the coast of Venezuela.

Administration Defends Tactics Amidst Scrutiny

The administration has faced increasing pressure to release video of a September 2nd vessel attack. However, the defense secretary have refused to do so. The administration has defended its efforts as a successful operation, saying it has prevented drugs from entering US shores and has dismissed concerns that it is exceeding the limits of legal military action.

Although the administration has stated the operation is about halting drugs headed to the US, remarks from a senior aide seemed to confirm a wider political aim. In a recent interview, the chief of staff remarked the president “aims to keep on destroying vessels until the Venezuelan president cries uncle.”

This indicates the series of strikes may be linked to a push to remove Venezuela's current leadership.