🔗 Share this article

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

“Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a deadly attack on a craft operated by a terrorist group in international waters. Surveillance confirmed the vessel was transiting along a established narco-trafficking route and was involved in illicit drug transport. All four male narco-terrorists were eliminated, and no US military forces were harmed.”

Background and Recent Strikes

This announcement comes a day after a declaration regarding a naval blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers to and from Venezuela. That statement on online platforms, the American leader accused Venezuela of using oil revenues to fund drug trafficking and criminal activities, pledging to escalate the military presence.

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

Administration Justifies Actions Amidst Scrutiny

The government has encountered increasing demands to make public video of a 2 September vessel attack. But, the defense secretary have refused to do so. The administration has supported its efforts as a successful operation, arguing it has stopped drugs from reaching US shores and has pushed back on concerns that it is exceeding the limits of legal military action.

While the administration has said the operation is about halting drugs headed to the US, remarks from a senior aide appeared to confirm a broader political aim. In a recent interview, the chief of staff said the president “aims to keep on blowing boats up until Venezuela's president surrenders or concedes.”

This suggests the military campaign may be linked to a strategy to remove Venezuela's current government.