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According to a senior military official, the American armed forces executed a lethal strike on a boat in the Pacific Ocean, resulting in the deaths of four people.

“A US joint task force conducted a deadly attack on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization in open sea. Surveillance confirmed the vessel was traveling along a established drug smuggling route and was engaged in illicit drug transport. All four male narco-terrorists were killed, and no US military forces were harmed.”

Context and Prior Actions

This announcement follows a day after a declaration regarding a naval blockade of all targeted oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. That statement on social media, the US president accused Venezuela of using oil profits to fund drug trafficking and criminal activities, pledging to increase the military buildup.

Only on the previous day, US defense officials said 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, more than 20 military engagements have killed at least 99 individuals, most off the coast of Venezuela.

Administration Defends Tactics Amid Scrutiny

The administration has faced increasing pressure to make public video of a September 2nd vessel attack. However, the defense secretary have refused to do so. The administration has supported its campaign as a successful operation, arguing it has stopped drugs from entering US shores and has dismissed concerns that it is exceeding the bounds of lawful warfare.

While the administration has stated the operation is about halting drugs destined for the US, comments from a top official appeared to confirm a broader political aim. In a recent interview, the chief of staff remarked the leader “wants to keep on destroying vessels until the Venezuelan president surrenders or concedes.”

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