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According to a senior defense official, the US armed forces executed a lethal strike on a vessel in the Pacific Ocean, resulting in the deaths of four individuals.

“Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a deadly attack on a craft linked to a terrorist group in open sea. Surveillance verified the vessel was traveling along a known drug smuggling route and was engaged in illicit drug transport. A total of four male narco-terrorists were killed, and no American forces were harmed.”

Context and Recent Actions

The statement comes a day after a declaration regarding a blockade of all targeted oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. In that announcement on social media, the American leader alleged Venezuela of using oil revenues to fund drug trafficking and other crimes, vowing to increase the military buildup.

Only on the previous day, US defense officials said it had carried out strikes on three boats it accused of smuggling narcotics in the Pacific, killing eight people. Since 2 September, over 20 strikes have resulted in the deaths of at least 99 individuals, the majority off the coast of Venezuela.

Administration Defends Actions Amid Scrutiny

The administration has encountered growing demands to make public video of a September 2nd vessel attack. However, the defense secretary have refused to do so. The administration has supported its campaign as a successful operation, saying it has prevented drugs from entering US shores and has pushed back on concerns that it is exceeding 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 political objective. In a recent interview, the chief of staff said the president “wants to keep on blowing boats up until the Venezuelan president cries uncle.”

This indicates the military campaign may be linked to a strategy to remove Venezuela's current government.