🔗 Share this article

As stated by a high-ranking defense spokesperson, the American military carried out a fatal kinetic engagement on a boat in the Pacific Ocean, resulting in the deaths of four people.

“Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a craft operated by a terrorist group in international waters. Surveillance verified the vessel was traveling along a established narco-trafficking route and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. All four male narco-terrorists were killed, and no US military forces were injured.”

Context and Prior Actions

The statement follows a day after a declaration regarding a naval blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. In that announcement on online platforms, the American leader accused Venezuela of using oil revenues to fund narcotics smuggling and criminal activities, vowing to increase the military presence.

Just on Tuesday, US defense officials said it had carried out strikes on three boats suspected of trafficking drugs in the Pacific, killing eight people. Beginning on 2 September, over 20 military engagements have killed at least 99 individuals, the majority off the coast of Venezuela.

Government Justifies Actions Amidst Scrutiny

The government has encountered increasing demands to make public video of a September 2nd vessel attack. However, the defense secretary have refused to do so. The administration has supported its efforts as a successful operation, arguing it has prevented drugs from reaching US shores and has pushed back on concerns that it is stretching the bounds of legal military action.

While the administration has stated the campaign 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 said the president “aims to keep on blowing boats up until Venezuela's president cries uncle.”

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