US Armed Forces Conducts Lethal Attack in Eastern Pacific, Resulting in 4 Deaths
According to 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 people.
“A US joint task force conducted a deadly attack on a vessel operated by a terrorist group in open sea. Surveillance verified the vessel was traveling along a known narco-trafficking route and was engaged in illicit drug transport. All four male narco-terrorists were killed, and no American forces were harmed.”
Background and Recent Strikes
The statement follows a day after a declaration regarding a naval blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers to and from Venezuela. In that announcement on social media, the American leader alleged Venezuela of using oil profits to fund drug trafficking and other crimes, pledging to increase the military presence.
Only on Tuesday, US defense officials stated 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, more than 20 military engagements have resulted in the deaths of at least 99 people, most off the coast of Venezuela.
Government Justifies Actions Amid Pressure
The government has faced growing demands to release video of a 2 September vessel attack. But, the defense secretary have refused to do so. The administration has supported its campaign as a success, arguing it has prevented drugs from entering US shores and has pushed back on concerns that it is exceeding the limits of lawful warfare.
While the administration has said the operation is about halting drugs destined for the US, comments from a top official appeared to suggest a wider political objective. In a recently published interview, the senior advisor said the leader “wants to keep on destroying vessels until the Venezuelan president surrenders or concedes.”
This indicates the series of strikes may be linked to a strategy to oust Venezuela's sitting leadership.