🔗 Share this article

As stated by a senior military official, the American armed forces 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 lethal kinetic strike on a craft linked to a terrorist group in open sea. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was traveling along a known narco-trafficking route and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. All four male drug traffickers were killed, and no US military forces were harmed.”

Background and Recent Strikes

The statement follows a day after a declaration regarding a naval blockade of all targeted oil tankers to and from Venezuela. In that announcement on online platforms, the American leader accused Venezuela of using oil revenues to fund narcotics smuggling and criminal activities, pledging to increase the military presence.

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

Government Defends Tactics Amidst Pressure

The administration has faced increasing pressure to release video of a 2 September vessel attack. However, officials have declined to do so. The administration has supported its campaign as a success, arguing it has stopped drugs from entering US shores and has pushed back on concerns that it is stretching the bounds of lawful warfare.

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

This suggests the military campaign may be part of a strategy to oust Venezuela's current government.