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According to a senior defense spokesperson, the US armed forces executed a lethal strike on a vessel in the Pacific Ocean, killing four people.

“Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a deadly attack on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization in open sea. Intelligence verified the vessel was transiting along a known narco-trafficking route and was involved in narco-trafficking operations. A total of four male narco-terrorists were killed, and no American forces were harmed.”

Background and Prior Strikes

The statement comes a day after a declaration regarding a blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. That statement on social media, the American leader accused Venezuela of using oil revenues to fund narcotics smuggling and other crimes, pledging to increase the military presence.

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

Government Defends Tactics Amidst Pressure

The administration has faced growing demands to release video of a 2 September vessel attack. But, 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 legal military action.

While the administration has said the campaign is about stopping drugs destined for the US, comments from a senior aide appeared to confirm a broader political aim. In a recent interview, the senior advisor remarked the president “aims to keep on blowing boats up until the Venezuelan president surrenders or concedes.”

This indicates the series of strikes may be part of a strategy to remove Venezuela's current leadership.