As stated by a senior military spokesperson, the American military carried out a fatal kinetic engagement on a boat in the Pacific Ocean, killing four people.
“Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a deadly attack on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization in international waters. Intelligence verified the vessel was traveling along a known narco-trafficking route and was involved in narco-trafficking operations. A total of four male drug traffickers were killed, and no US military forces were harmed.”
Background and Prior Strikes
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 US president accused Venezuela of using oil revenues to fund narcotics smuggling and other crimes, pledging to escalate the military buildup.
Just on the previous day, US defense officials said it had conducted strikes on three boats it accused of smuggling narcotics in the Pacific, killing eight people. Since 2 September, more than 20 military engagements have killed at least 99 individuals, the majority off the coast of Venezuela.
Government Justifies Actions Amidst Pressure
The government has faced growing 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 success, arguing it has prevented drugs from reaching US shores and has pushed back on concerns that it is stretching the limits of lawful warfare.
Although the administration has said the operation is about halting drugs destined for the US, remarks from a senior aide seemed to suggest a broader geopolitical objective. In a recent interview, the senior advisor remarked the president “aims to keep on blowing boats up until the Venezuelan president surrenders or concedes.”
This indicates the military campaign may be linked to a strategy to oust Venezuela's sitting leadership.
