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According to a senior military spokesperson, the American military executed a fatal strike on a vessel in the Pacific Ocean, resulting in the deaths of four people.

“A US joint task force carried out a deadly attack on a craft linked to a Designated Terrorist Organization in international waters. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was traveling along a known narco-trafficking route and was involved in narco-trafficking operations. All four male narco-terrorists were killed, and no US military forces were harmed.”

Background and Recent Strikes

The statement comes a day after a declaration regarding a blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. That statement on online platforms, the American leader accused Venezuela of using oil profits to fund drug trafficking and criminal activities, pledging to increase the military buildup.

Only on Tuesday, the Pentagon stated it had conducted strikes on three boats suspected of trafficking drugs in the Pacific, killing eight people. Since 2 September, over 20 strikes have resulted in the deaths of at least 99 individuals, the majority off the coast of Venezuela.

Administration Justifies Tactics Amidst Pressure

The administration has faced increasing pressure to release video of a September 2nd vessel attack. However, officials have refused to do so. The administration has supported its campaign as a successful operation, saying it has stopped drugs from reaching US shores and has pushed back on concerns that it is stretching the bounds of lawful warfare.

While the administration has said the operation is about halting drugs destined for the US, comments from a top official seemed to suggest a broader geopolitical aim. In a recent interview, the senior advisor remarked the leader “aims to keep on destroying vessels until Venezuela's president cries uncle.”

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