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According to a senior military official, the US armed forces carried out a fatal kinetic engagement on a boat in the eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of four individuals.

“Joint Task Force Southern Spear carried out a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a terrorist group in open sea. Surveillance confirmed the vessel was traveling along a established narco-trafficking route and was involved in narco-trafficking operations. All four male narco-terrorists were eliminated, and no US military forces were harmed.”

Context and Prior Actions

This announcement follows a day after an announcement regarding a blockade of all targeted oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. In that announcement on social media, the American leader alleged Venezuela of using oil profits to fund narcotics smuggling and other crimes, pledging to increase the military presence.

Just on the previous day, US defense officials said it had conducted strikes on three boats it accused of smuggling narcotics in the Pacific, killing eight people. Since 2 September, more than 20 military engagements have resulted in the deaths of at least 99 people, most off the coast of Venezuela.

Government Defends Tactics Amid Pressure

The government has faced increasing pressure to release video of a September 2nd vessel attack. But, officials have declined to do so. The administration has defended its campaign as a successful operation, arguing it has stopped drugs from reaching US shores and has pushed back on concerns that it is exceeding the limits of lawful warfare.

While the administration has said the operation is about halting drugs destined for the US, comments from a senior aide appeared to suggest a wider geopolitical objective. In a recent interview, the chief of staff said the leader “wants to keep on blowing boats up until Venezuela's president cries uncle.”

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