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As stated by a senior military official, the US military carried out a lethal kinetic engagement on a vessel in the eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of four individuals.

“Joint Task Force Southern Spear carried out a lethal kinetic strike on a craft linked to a Designated Terrorist Organization in open sea. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along a known drug smuggling route and was engaged in illicit drug transport. A total of four male narco-terrorists were killed, and no US military forces were harmed.”

Context and Prior Strikes

This announcement follows a day after an announcement regarding a blockade of all targeted oil tankers to and from Venezuela. In that announcement on online platforms, the American leader alleged Venezuela of using oil revenues to fund narcotics smuggling and other crimes, vowing to increase the military presence.

Only on Tuesday, 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, more than 20 strikes have killed at least 99 individuals, most off the coast of Venezuela.

Government Justifies Tactics Amid Pressure

The administration has faced increasing pressure to release video of a 2 September vessel attack. However, the defense secretary have declined to do so. The administration has defended its campaign as a successful operation, arguing it has stopped drugs from entering US shores and has pushed back on concerns that it is stretching the limits of legal military action.

Although the administration has stated the campaign is about halting drugs destined for the US, comments from a top official appeared to suggest a wider political objective. In a recent interview, the chief of staff said the president “aims to keep on blowing boats up until Venezuela's president surrenders or concedes.”

This suggests the military campaign may be linked to a push to remove Venezuela's sitting leadership.