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According to a high-ranking defense official, the American military executed a fatal strike on a vessel in the eastern Pacific, killing four individuals.

“Joint Task Force Southern Spear carried out a deadly attack on a craft operated by a terrorist group in open sea. Surveillance confirmed the vessel was traveling along a known narco-trafficking route and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. All four male narco-terrorists were killed, and no US military forces were injured.”

Background and Prior Actions

The statement follows a day after an announcement regarding a blockade of all targeted oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. That statement on online platforms, the US president alleged Venezuela of using oil revenues to fund narcotics smuggling and other crimes, vowing to increase the military presence.

Only on the previous day, 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 individuals, the majority off the coast of Venezuela.

Administration Defends Tactics Amid Pressure

The government has faced increasing demands to make public video of a 2 September vessel attack. But, the defense secretary have refused to do so. The administration has defended its efforts as a success, arguing it has prevented drugs from entering US shores and has dismissed concerns that it is stretching the bounds of legal military action.

While the administration has stated the operation is about halting drugs destined for the US, remarks from a top official appeared to suggest a broader geopolitical objective. In a recent interview, the chief of staff said the leader “wants to keep on blowing boats up until the Venezuelan president cries uncle.”

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