According to a senior defense spokesperson, the American armed forces executed a fatal kinetic engagement on a boat in the eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of four people.
“Joint Task Force Southern Spear carried out a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a terrorist group in open sea. Intelligence verified the vessel was traveling along a established drug smuggling route and was engaged in illicit drug transport. A total of four male drug traffickers were eliminated, and no US military forces were harmed.”
Background and Prior Actions
The statement comes a day after an announcement regarding a naval blockade of all targeted oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. In that announcement on social media, the US president alleged Venezuela of using oil profits to fund drug trafficking and criminal activities, vowing to escalate the military presence.
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 resulted in the deaths of at least 99 people, the majority off the coast of Venezuela.
Government Defends Actions Amid Pressure
The administration has encountered increasing pressure to release video of a September 2nd vessel attack. But, officials have declined to do so. The administration has defended its efforts as a successful operation, saying it has stopped drugs from entering US shores and has dismissed concerns that it is stretching the limits of lawful warfare.
Although the administration has said the campaign is about halting drugs destined for the US, remarks from a senior aide appeared to suggest a broader political objective. In a recent interview, the chief of staff remarked the leader “aims to keep on blowing boats up until the Venezuelan president cries uncle.”
This suggests the series of strikes may be part of a push to oust Venezuela's sitting leadership.
