American Armed Forces Conducts Deadly Attack in Pacific, Resulting in Four Deaths
According to a senior military spokesperson, the US military carried out a lethal strike on a vessel in the eastern Pacific, killing four individuals.
“A US joint task force conducted a deadly attack on a vessel linked to a terrorist group in international waters. Surveillance verified the vessel was transiting along a established drug smuggling route and was involved in narco-trafficking operations. A total of four male drug traffickers were killed, and no US military forces were harmed.”
Background and Prior Actions
The statement comes a day after an announcement regarding a blockade of all targeted oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. That statement on online platforms, the American leader alleged Venezuela of using oil revenues to fund drug trafficking and other crimes, vowing to escalate the military presence.
Only on Tuesday, the Pentagon stated it had conducted strikes on three boats suspected of trafficking drugs in the Pacific, leading to the deaths of eight people. Since 2 September, more than 20 military engagements have killed at least 99 individuals, most off the coast of Venezuela.
Administration Justifies Tactics Amid Pressure
The administration has encountered increasing demands to make public video of a September 2nd vessel attack. But, the defense secretary have declined to do so. The administration has supported its efforts as a success, 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 stated the operation is about stopping drugs headed to the US, remarks from a top official seemed to suggest a broader geopolitical 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 suggests the series of strikes may be linked to a strategy to oust Venezuela's sitting government.
