🔗 Share this article

According to a high-ranking military spokesperson, the US military carried out a lethal kinetic engagement on a boat in the eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of four individuals.

“Joint Task Force Southern Spear carried out a deadly attack on a craft linked to a terrorist group in open sea. Surveillance verified the vessel was transiting along a established drug smuggling route and was engaged in illicit drug transport. All four male drug traffickers were eliminated, and no American forces were injured.”

Context and Prior Actions

This announcement comes a day after a declaration regarding a blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. In that announcement on online platforms, the American leader accused Venezuela of using oil profits to fund drug trafficking and other crimes, vowing to escalate the military buildup.

Just 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 strikes have resulted in the deaths of at least 99 individuals, the majority off the coast of Venezuela.

Government Defends Actions Amidst Pressure

The administration has faced growing pressure to release video of a September 2nd vessel attack. But, the defense secretary have refused to do so. The administration has defended its efforts as a success, arguing it has prevented drugs from reaching US shores and has pushed back on concerns that it is exceeding the limits of legal military action.

While the administration has said the campaign is about stopping drugs destined for the US, comments from a senior aide seemed to suggest a wider political aim. In a recent interview, the chief of staff said the leader “aims to keep on blowing boats up until the Venezuelan president surrenders or concedes.”

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