US Armed Forces Executes Lethal Strike in Pacific, Leading to 4 Fatalities
According to a high-ranking military spokesperson, the US military executed a fatal kinetic engagement on a boat in the eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of four individuals.
“A US joint task force conducted a deadly attack on a vessel operated by a terrorist group in international waters. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along a known drug smuggling route and was involved in illicit drug transport. A total of four male narco-terrorists were eliminated, and no US military forces were harmed.”
Background and Prior Strikes
The statement comes a day after an announcement regarding a blockade of all targeted oil tankers to and from Venezuela. In that announcement on online platforms, the US president accused Venezuela of using oil profits to fund drug trafficking and other crimes, pledging to increase the military buildup.
Just on Tuesday, the Pentagon stated it had carried out strikes on three boats it accused of smuggling narcotics in the Pacific, killing eight people. Since 2 September, more than 20 military engagements have resulted in the deaths of at least 99 individuals, most off the coast of Venezuela.
Administration Justifies Actions Amidst Scrutiny
The government has faced growing pressure to release video of a 2 September vessel attack. But, the defense secretary have declined 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 operation is about halting drugs destined for the US, remarks from a top official appeared to confirm a broader geopolitical aim. In a recent interview, the chief of staff remarked the president “aims to keep on blowing boats up until the Venezuelan president cries uncle.”
This suggests the military campaign may be linked to a strategy to oust Venezuela's sitting government.