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As stated by a senior military official, the American military executed a lethal kinetic engagement on a boat in the Pacific Ocean, killing four people.

“A US joint task force conducted a deadly attack on a vessel linked to a terrorist group in international waters. Surveillance confirmed the vessel was traveling along a established narco-trafficking route and was involved in illicit drug transport. A total of four male narco-terrorists were eliminated, and no US military forces were harmed.”

Context and Recent Strikes

The statement comes a day after a declaration regarding a naval blockade of all targeted oil tankers to and from Venezuela. That statement on online platforms, the American leader accused Venezuela of using oil profits to fund narcotics smuggling and other crimes, vowing to increase the military buildup.

Just on Tuesday, US defense officials said it had carried out strikes on three boats suspected of trafficking drugs in the Pacific, killing eight people. Beginning on 2 September, more than 20 military engagements have resulted in the deaths of at least 99 individuals, most off the coast of Venezuela.

Government Defends Tactics Amidst Pressure

The administration has faced growing pressure to release video of a 2 September vessel attack. However, officials have declined to do so. The administration has defended its campaign as a successful operation, arguing it has prevented drugs from reaching US shores and has pushed back on concerns that it is exceeding the bounds of legal military action.

Although the administration has said the campaign is about halting drugs destined for the US, remarks from a senior aide appeared to confirm a broader geopolitical objective. In a recent interview, the chief of staff said the president “aims to keep on destroying vessels until the Venezuelan president surrenders or concedes.”

This indicates the military campaign may be linked to a strategy to remove Venezuela's sitting government.