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According to a high-ranking defense spokesperson, the US military carried out a lethal kinetic engagement on a boat in the Pacific Ocean, killing four people.

“A US joint task force carried out a deadly attack on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization in open sea. Surveillance confirmed the vessel was transiting along a known narco-trafficking route and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. All four male drug traffickers were killed, and no US military forces were harmed.”

Background and Prior Actions

This announcement follows a day after an announcement regarding a naval blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers to and from Venezuela. In that announcement on online platforms, the US president alleged Venezuela of using oil profits to fund narcotics smuggling and other crimes, pledging to escalate the military presence.

Only on Tuesday, US defense officials said it had conducted strikes on three boats it accused of trafficking drugs in the Pacific, leading to the deaths of eight people. Since 2 September, over 20 military engagements have resulted in the deaths of at least 99 people, the majority off the coast of Venezuela.

Government Defends Tactics Amidst Scrutiny

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 supported its campaign as a success, saying it has stopped drugs from reaching US shores and has dismissed concerns that it is exceeding the limits of legal military action.

While the administration has said the campaign is about halting drugs headed to the US, comments from a senior aide appeared to confirm a broader geopolitical aim. In a recent interview, the chief of staff said the president “wants to keep on blowing boats up until the Venezuelan president surrenders or concedes.”

This suggests the military campaign may be part of a strategy to oust Venezuela's sitting government.