US Military Executes Deadly Attack in Pacific, Resulting in Four Fatalities
As stated by a high-ranking military spokesperson, the US military carried out a fatal kinetic engagement on a boat in the eastern Pacific, killing four individuals.
“Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a deadly attack on a vessel linked to a Designated Terrorist Organization in international waters. Surveillance verified the vessel was transiting along a established drug smuggling route and was engaged in illicit drug transport. All four male drug traffickers were killed, and no American forces were injured.”
Background and Recent Actions
This announcement comes a day after a declaration regarding a blockade of all targeted oil tankers to and from Venezuela. In that announcement on online platforms, the US president alleged Venezuela of using oil revenues to fund drug trafficking and other crimes, pledging to increase the military buildup.
Only on Tuesday, US defense officials stated it had conducted strikes on three boats it accused of trafficking drugs in the Pacific, killing eight people. Since 2 September, over 20 military engagements have killed at least 99 people, most off the coast of Venezuela.
Administration Defends Actions Amidst Scrutiny
The administration has faced growing demands to make public video of a 2 September vessel attack. But, the defense secretary have declined to do so. The administration has defended its campaign as a success, saying it has stopped drugs from entering US shores and has dismissed concerns that it is stretching the bounds of lawful warfare.
Although the administration has said the campaign is about stopping drugs headed to the US, comments from a senior aide appeared to confirm a broader geopolitical objective. In a recent interview, the chief of staff said the leader “aims to keep on blowing boats up until the Venezuelan president cries uncle.”
This indicates the series of strikes may be linked to a strategy to remove Venezuela's sitting leadership.
