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As stated by a high-ranking military official, the American armed forces executed a fatal kinetic engagement on a vessel in the eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of four people.

“A US joint task force conducted a deadly attack on a craft operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization in international waters. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was traveling along a known drug smuggling route and was involved in narco-trafficking operations. All four male drug traffickers were killed, and no US military forces were harmed.”

Background and Prior Actions

The statement comes a day after an announcement regarding a 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 narcotics smuggling and criminal activities, pledging to escalate the military buildup.

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, more than 20 strikes have resulted in the deaths of at least 99 individuals, the majority off the coast of Venezuela.

Administration Defends Tactics Amidst Pressure

The administration has faced growing pressure to make public 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, saying it has prevented drugs from entering US shores and has dismissed concerns that it is stretching the limits of lawful warfare.

Although the administration has stated the campaign is about halting drugs headed to the US, remarks from a senior aide appeared to suggest a broader political objective. In a recent interview, the chief of staff remarked the president “aims to keep on blowing boats up until the Venezuelan president surrenders or concedes.”

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