🔗 Share this article

As stated by a high-ranking military spokesperson, the US military executed a lethal strike on a boat in the eastern Pacific, killing four people.

“Joint Task Force Southern Spear carried out a deadly attack on a vessel operated by a terrorist group in open sea. Intelligence verified the vessel was transiting along a known narco-trafficking route and was involved in illicit drug transport. A total of four male narco-terrorists were killed, and no US military forces were injured.”

Context and Prior Strikes

This announcement follows a day after an announcement regarding a blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. In that announcement on social media, the American leader accused Venezuela of using oil profits to fund drug trafficking and criminal activities, pledging to escalate the military buildup.

Just on the previous day, US defense officials said it had carried out strikes on three boats suspected of smuggling narcotics in the Pacific, killing eight people. Since 2 September, more than 20 military engagements have resulted in the deaths of at least 99 individuals, most off the coast of Venezuela.

Government Justifies Actions Amidst Scrutiny

The administration has encountered increasing demands to release video of a 2 September vessel attack. However, the defense secretary have declined to do so. The administration has supported its efforts as a successful operation, arguing it has prevented drugs from entering US shores and has dismissed concerns that it is exceeding the limits of lawful warfare.

Although the administration has said the campaign is about stopping drugs headed to the US, remarks from a senior aide seemed to suggest a broader geopolitical objective. In a recently published interview, the senior advisor said the president “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 sitting leadership.