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As stated by a senior military spokesperson, the US military carried out a lethal kinetic engagement on a boat in the Pacific Ocean, resulting in the deaths of four people.

“Joint Task Force Southern Spear carried out a deadly attack on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization in open sea. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along a known narco-trafficking route and was involved in illicit drug transport. A total of four male drug traffickers were killed, and no US military forces were injured.”

Context and Prior Actions

The statement comes a day after a declaration regarding a blockade of all targeted oil tankers to and from Venezuela. That statement on social media, the US president accused Venezuela of using oil profits to fund narcotics smuggling and criminal activities, pledging to escalate the military presence.

Just on Tuesday, US defense officials said it had conducted strikes on three boats suspected of trafficking drugs in the Pacific, killing eight people. Beginning on 2 September, more than 20 strikes have resulted in the deaths of at least 99 individuals, the majority off the coast of Venezuela.

Administration Defends Actions Amidst Pressure

The administration has faced increasing pressure to make public video of a September 2nd vessel attack. However, officials have declined to do so. The administration has defended its campaign as a success, arguing it has prevented drugs from entering US shores and has dismissed concerns that it is stretching the bounds of lawful warfare.

Although the administration has stated the campaign is about halting drugs headed to the US, comments from a top official seemed to confirm a broader geopolitical aim. In a recent interview, the chief of staff remarked the leader “aims to keep on destroying vessels until the Venezuelan president surrenders or concedes.”

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