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According to a senior defense official, the US armed forces carried out a lethal strike on a vessel in the eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of four individuals.

“Joint Task Force Southern Spear carried out a lethal kinetic strike on a craft linked to a Designated Terrorist Organization in international waters. Surveillance verified the vessel was transiting along a known narco-trafficking route and was engaged in illicit drug transport. A total of four male narco-terrorists were killed, and no American forces were injured.”

Context and Recent Actions

The statement follows a day after an announcement regarding a blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers to and from Venezuela. In that announcement on social media, the US president accused Venezuela of using oil revenues to fund narcotics smuggling and other crimes, pledging to escalate the military buildup.

Only on Tuesday, US defense officials stated it had conducted strikes on three boats it accused of smuggling narcotics in the Pacific, leading to the deaths of eight people. Beginning on 2 September, over 20 military engagements have killed at least 99 people, the majority off the coast of Venezuela.

Government Justifies Actions Amidst Scrutiny

The administration has encountered increasing pressure to release video of a 2 September vessel attack. But, the defense secretary have refused to do so. The administration has supported its efforts as a success, arguing it has prevented drugs from reaching US shores and has dismissed concerns that it is stretching the limits of lawful warfare.

Although the administration has said the operation is about stopping drugs destined for the US, comments from a top official seemed to suggest a wider political aim. In a recently published 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 linked to a push to oust Venezuela's current government.