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According to a high-ranking defense official, the American armed forces executed a fatal strike on a boat in the Pacific Ocean, killing four individuals.

“A US joint task force conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization in open sea. Surveillance confirmed the vessel was traveling along a established narco-trafficking route and was engaged in illicit drug transport. All four male narco-terrorists were killed, and no American forces were harmed.”

Context and Prior Strikes

The statement follows a day after an announcement regarding a naval blockade of all sanctioned 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 other crimes, vowing to increase the military presence.

Only on Tuesday, US defense officials said it had carried out strikes on three boats it accused of trafficking drugs in the Pacific, leading to the deaths of eight people. Since 2 September, over 20 military engagements have resulted in the deaths of at least 99 people, the majority off the coast of Venezuela.

Administration Justifies Tactics Amid Scrutiny

The administration has faced increasing pressure to make public video of a September 2nd vessel attack. But, officials have refused to do so. The administration has supported its campaign as a successful operation, arguing it has prevented drugs from reaching US shores and has dismissed concerns that it is stretching the limits of lawful warfare.

While the administration has said the campaign is about stopping drugs headed to the US, comments from a top official appeared to confirm a broader geopolitical aim. In a recently published interview, the senior advisor remarked the leader “wants to keep on blowing boats up until the Venezuelan president surrenders or concedes.”

This indicates the series of strikes may be linked to a strategy to oust Venezuela's current government.