US Military Executes Deadly Attack in Eastern Pacific, Resulting in 4 Fatalities

As stated by a high-ranking defense official, the US military executed a fatal strike on a vessel in the eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of four individuals.

“A US joint task force carried out a deadly attack on a craft linked to a Designated Terrorist Organization in open sea. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along a known narco-trafficking route and was engaged in illicit drug transport. A total of four male narco-terrorists were killed, and no US military forces were harmed.”

Background and Recent Actions

This announcement comes a day after a declaration regarding a 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.

Only on the previous day, US defense officials stated it had conducted strikes on three boats it accused of trafficking drugs 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, most off the coast of Venezuela.

Administration Defends Tactics Amidst Scrutiny

The government has faced increasing pressure to release video of a September 2nd vessel attack. But, the defense secretary have refused to do so. The administration has supported its campaign as a successful operation, saying it has stopped drugs from entering US shores and has dismissed concerns that it is exceeding the limits of lawful warfare.

Although the administration has stated the operation is about halting drugs headed to the US, comments from a top official appeared to suggest a broader political objective. In a recent interview, the senior advisor said the leader “wants to keep on destroying vessels until Venezuela's president cries uncle.”

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