US Armed Forces Conducts Deadly Attack in Eastern Pacific, Leading to 4 Deaths
As stated by a high-ranking defense spokesperson, the American military executed a fatal strike on a boat in the Pacific Ocean, killing four people.
“A US joint task force conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a craft linked to a Designated Terrorist Organization in international waters. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along a known drug smuggling route and was involved in narco-trafficking operations. A total of four male narco-terrorists were killed, and no US military forces were injured.”
Context and Recent Actions
The statement follows a day after a declaration regarding a naval blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. That statement on social media, the US president accused Venezuela of using oil profits to fund narcotics smuggling and other crimes, vowing to increase the military presence.
Just on the previous day, the Pentagon stated it had carried out strikes on three boats suspected of trafficking drugs in the Pacific, leading to the deaths of eight people. Beginning on 2 September, over 20 military engagements have killed at least 99 people, most off the coast of Venezuela.
Administration Defends Actions Amidst Scrutiny
The government has faced increasing 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 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.
Although the administration has said the campaign is about stopping drugs headed to the US, remarks from a top official seemed to confirm a wider political 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 series of strikes may be part of a strategy to oust Venezuela's sitting government.
