🔗 Share this article

As stated by a high-ranking military spokesperson, the American military executed a fatal strike on a boat in the Pacific Ocean, resulting in the deaths of four individuals.

“A US joint task force carried out a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel linked to a terrorist group in open sea. Surveillance confirmed the vessel was transiting along a known drug smuggling route and was involved in narco-trafficking operations. All four male narco-terrorists were killed, and no American forces were harmed.”

Background and Prior Strikes

This announcement comes a day after an announcement regarding a naval blockade of all targeted oil tankers to and from Venezuela. That statement on social media, the American leader accused Venezuela of using oil profits to fund drug trafficking and criminal activities, pledging to increase the military buildup.

Only on the previous day, the Pentagon stated it had conducted strikes on three boats suspected of smuggling narcotics in the Pacific, killing eight people. Beginning on 2 September, over 20 military engagements have resulted in the deaths of at least 99 individuals, most off the coast of Venezuela.

Administration Justifies Tactics Amid Pressure

The administration has faced increasing pressure to make public video of a 2 September vessel attack. But, officials 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 pushed back on concerns that it is exceeding the limits of lawful warfare.

While the administration has stated the campaign is about halting drugs destined for the US, comments from a top official appeared to confirm a wider geopolitical objective. In a recent interview, the senior advisor said the leader “wants to keep on destroying vessels until the Venezuelan president surrenders or concedes.”

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