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As stated by a high-ranking defense official, the US armed forces carried out a fatal strike on a boat in the Pacific Ocean, killing four people.

“Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a deadly attack on a vessel linked to a Designated Terrorist Organization in international waters. Intelligence verified the vessel was transiting along a established narco-trafficking route and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. A total of four male narco-terrorists were killed, and no US military forces were injured.”

Context and Recent Actions

This announcement follows a day after an announcement regarding a naval blockade of all targeted oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. In that announcement on online platforms, the American leader alleged Venezuela of using oil profits to fund drug trafficking and criminal activities, vowing to escalate the military buildup.

Just on Tuesday, the Pentagon said 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 strikes have resulted in the deaths of at least 99 individuals, most off the coast of Venezuela.

Government Defends Tactics Amidst Pressure

The administration has encountered increasing pressure to release video of a September 2nd vessel attack. But, the defense secretary have refused to do so. The administration has supported its efforts as a success, arguing it has stopped drugs from entering US shores and has pushed back on concerns that it is stretching the limits of legal military action.

Although the administration has said the operation is about halting drugs destined for the US, comments from a senior aide seemed to confirm a broader geopolitical aim. In a recent interview, the chief of staff said the president “wants to keep on destroying vessels until the Venezuelan president surrenders or concedes.”

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