🔗 Share this article

As stated by a high-ranking defense official, the US armed forces carried out a lethal strike on a vessel in the Pacific Ocean, resulting in the deaths of four individuals.

“A US joint task force conducted a deadly attack on a vessel linked to a terrorist group in open sea. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along a established drug smuggling route and was engaged in illicit drug transport. A total of four male drug traffickers were killed, and no US military forces were injured.”

Background and Recent Strikes

The statement follows a day after an announcement regarding a naval blockade of all targeted oil tankers to and from Venezuela. That statement on online platforms, the American leader accused Venezuela of using oil revenues to fund drug trafficking and other crimes, vowing to escalate the military presence.

Only on the previous day, the Pentagon said it had conducted strikes on three boats suspected 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.

Government Defends Actions Amid Scrutiny

The government has encountered increasing demands to make public video of a 2 September vessel attack. But, the defense secretary have declined to do so. The administration has defended its efforts as a successful operation, arguing it has prevented drugs from entering US shores and has dismissed concerns that it is stretching the bounds of lawful warfare.

Although the administration has said the operation is about stopping drugs destined for the US, remarks from a senior aide appeared to suggest a broader political aim. In a recent interview, the chief of staff said the president “aims to keep on blowing boats up until Venezuela's president cries uncle.”

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