US Armed Forces Executes Lethal Attack in Eastern Pacific, Resulting in 4 Deaths

As stated by a senior military official, the US armed forces carried out a lethal kinetic engagement on a boat in the Pacific Ocean, resulting in the deaths of four individuals.

“Joint Task Force Southern Spear carried out a deadly attack on a craft operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization in international waters. Intelligence verified the vessel was traveling along a known drug smuggling route and was involved in illicit drug transport. A total of four male narco-terrorists were killed, and no US military forces were harmed.”

Context and Prior Actions

This announcement comes a day after an announcement regarding a naval blockade of all targeted oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. That statement on social media, the American leader accused Venezuela of using oil revenues to fund drug trafficking and other crimes, vowing to escalate the military presence.

Only on Tuesday, US defense officials said it had carried out strikes on three boats suspected of trafficking drugs in the Pacific, killing eight people. Since 2 September, more than 20 military engagements have killed at least 99 people, the majority off the coast of Venezuela.

Administration Defends Tactics Amidst Scrutiny

The administration has faced growing demands 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 entering US shores and has dismissed concerns that it is exceeding the bounds of lawful warfare.

Although the administration has stated the campaign is about stopping drugs destined for the US, remarks from a senior aide appeared to confirm a wider political aim. In a recent interview, the chief of staff remarked the leader “wants to keep on destroying vessels until Venezuela's president cries uncle.”

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