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According to a high-ranking defense official, the American military executed a lethal strike on a boat in the eastern Pacific, killing four people.

“A US joint task force carried out a deadly attack on a vessel linked to a Designated Terrorist Organization in international waters. Intelligence verified the vessel was traveling along a known narco-trafficking route and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. All four male drug traffickers were eliminated, and no US military forces were injured.”

Context and Prior Strikes

This announcement follows a day after an announcement regarding a blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. In that announcement on online platforms, the US president alleged Venezuela of using oil revenues to fund narcotics smuggling and other crimes, pledging to escalate the military buildup.

Just on Tuesday, US defense officials stated it had carried out 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 people, most off the coast of Venezuela.

Government Defends Tactics Amidst Pressure

The administration has encountered growing demands to make public video of a 2 September vessel attack. However, officials have refused to do so. The administration has defended its efforts as a successful operation, arguing it has stopped drugs from entering US shores and has dismissed concerns that it is exceeding the limits of lawful warfare.

Although the administration has stated the campaign is about halting drugs headed to the US, comments from a senior aide seemed to confirm a broader geopolitical objective. In a recent interview, the chief of staff remarked the president “aims to keep on blowing boats up until Venezuela's president cries uncle.”

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