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According to a high-ranking military official, the US armed forces carried out a lethal strike on a boat in the eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of four individuals.

“A US joint task force carried out a lethal kinetic strike on a craft linked to a terrorist group in international waters. Surveillance confirmed the vessel was traveling along a established drug smuggling route and was involved in narco-trafficking operations. A total of four male drug traffickers were eliminated, and no American forces were harmed.”

Background and Recent Strikes

The statement follows a day after an announcement regarding a naval blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers to and from Venezuela. That statement on online platforms, the American leader alleged Venezuela of using oil profits to fund drug trafficking and criminal activities, pledging to increase the military presence.

Only on Tuesday, the Pentagon said it had conducted strikes on three boats it accused of smuggling narcotics in the Pacific, killing eight people. Beginning on 2 September, more than 20 military engagements have killed at least 99 people, the majority off the coast of Venezuela.

Administration Defends Tactics Amid Pressure

The government has encountered growing pressure to make public video of a September 2nd vessel attack. But, the defense secretary have declined to do so. The administration has supported its efforts as a success, arguing it has prevented drugs from reaching US shores and has pushed back on concerns that it is stretching the bounds of lawful warfare.

While the administration has stated the campaign is about halting drugs headed to the US, remarks from a top official appeared to suggest a wider political aim. In a recent interview, the chief of staff said the president “wants to keep on blowing boats up until Venezuela's president surrenders or concedes.”

This suggests the military campaign may be linked to a push to oust Venezuela's sitting leadership.