US Military Executes Lethal Strike in Eastern Pacific, Resulting in Four Deaths
As stated by a senior military official, the US military carried out a fatal kinetic engagement on a boat in the Pacific Ocean, resulting in the deaths of four individuals.
“Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a deadly attack on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization in international waters. Surveillance verified the vessel was traveling along a known drug smuggling 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
This announcement follows a day after a declaration regarding a blockade of all targeted oil tankers to and from Venezuela. That statement on social media, the US president alleged Venezuela of using oil revenues to fund drug trafficking and other crimes, pledging to escalate the military buildup.
Only on Tuesday, US defense officials stated it had conducted strikes on three boats it accused of trafficking drugs in the Pacific, leading to the deaths of eight people. Since 2 September, over 20 strikes have killed at least 99 individuals, most off the coast of Venezuela.
Government Defends Actions Amid Scrutiny
The administration has faced increasing pressure to make public video of a September 2nd vessel attack. But, the defense secretary have refused to do so. The administration has supported its campaign as a successful operation, saying it has stopped drugs from reaching US shores and has pushed back on concerns that it is stretching the limits 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 suggest a wider geopolitical objective. In a recent interview, the senior advisor remarked the leader “aims to keep on blowing boats up until Venezuela's president cries uncle.”
This indicates the military campaign may be part of a push to oust Venezuela's current leadership.
