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As stated by a high-ranking military official, the US armed forces executed a lethal kinetic engagement on a vessel in the Pacific Ocean, killing four people.

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

Context and Recent Strikes

This announcement comes a day after a declaration regarding a blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers to and from Venezuela. In that announcement on online platforms, the American leader alleged Venezuela of using oil profits to fund narcotics smuggling and criminal activities, vowing to escalate the military buildup.

Just on the previous day, US defense officials said it had carried out strikes on three boats it accused of smuggling narcotics in the Pacific, leading to the deaths of 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.

Government Defends Tactics Amidst Scrutiny

The administration has faced increasing demands to release video of a September 2nd vessel attack. However, the defense secretary have declined to do so. The administration has defended its efforts as a successful operation, saying it has stopped drugs from reaching US shores and has pushed back on concerns that it is stretching the limits of lawful warfare.

While the administration has stated the campaign is about stopping drugs destined for the US, remarks from a senior aide appeared to suggest a broader political objective. In a recent interview, the chief of staff said the president “wants to keep on destroying vessels until the Venezuelan president cries uncle.”

This indicates the series of strikes may be part of a push to remove Venezuela's sitting government.