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As stated by a high-ranking defense official, the US military executed a lethal strike on a boat in the eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of four people.

“A US joint task force carried out a lethal kinetic strike on a craft operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization in international waters. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was traveling along a known drug smuggling route and was involved in illicit drug transport. All four male drug traffickers were eliminated, and no American forces were harmed.”

Background and Prior Strikes

The statement follows 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 revenues to fund narcotics smuggling and other crimes, pledging to increase the military presence.

Only on Tuesday, the Pentagon stated it had conducted strikes on three boats it accused of trafficking drugs in the Pacific, leading to the deaths of eight people. Beginning on 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 Justifies Actions Amid Scrutiny

The administration has faced growing pressure to release video of a 2 September vessel attack. However, the defense secretary have declined to do so. The administration has supported its campaign as a success, arguing it has stopped drugs from reaching US shores and has dismissed concerns that it is exceeding the bounds of lawful warfare.

Although the administration has said the operation is about halting drugs headed to the US, comments from a top official appeared to suggest a wider political aim. In a recently published interview, the senior advisor said the president “wants to keep on blowing boats up until the Venezuelan president cries uncle.”

This indicates the military campaign may be part of a strategy to oust Venezuela's current government.