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According to a high-ranking defense official, the American armed forces executed a lethal kinetic engagement on a vessel in the eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of four individuals.

“A US joint task force carried out a lethal kinetic strike on a craft linked to a Designated Terrorist Organization in international waters. Surveillance verified the vessel was transiting along a known narco-trafficking route and was engaged in illicit drug transport. A total of four male narco-terrorists were eliminated, and no American forces were harmed.”

Context and Recent Strikes

This announcement comes a day after a declaration regarding a blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. That statement on social media, the American leader accused Venezuela of using oil profits to fund narcotics smuggling and criminal activities, pledging to increase the military buildup.

Only on Tuesday, US defense officials said it had carried out strikes on three boats it accused of trafficking drugs in the Pacific, killing eight people. Since 2 September, more than 20 strikes have killed at least 99 individuals, most off the coast of Venezuela.

Government Defends Tactics Amid Scrutiny

The government has faced increasing pressure to release video of a September 2nd vessel attack. However, the defense secretary have declined to do so. The administration has supported its efforts as a success, saying it has stopped drugs from reaching US shores and has pushed back on concerns that it is stretching the bounds of legal military action.

While the administration has stated the campaign is about stopping drugs destined for the US, comments from a senior aide appeared to confirm a wider political aim. In a recent interview, the chief of staff remarked the president “aims to keep on blowing boats up until Venezuela's president surrenders or concedes.”

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