American Armed Forces Conducts Deadly Strike in Eastern Pacific, Leading to 4 Fatalities
According to a high-ranking military spokesperson, the US military carried out a lethal strike on a vessel in the eastern Pacific, killing four people.
“A US joint task force conducted a deadly attack on a craft operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization in international waters. Surveillance verified the vessel was transiting along a established narco-trafficking route and was involved in narco-trafficking operations. A total of four male drug traffickers were killed, and no US military forces were injured.”
Background and Recent Strikes
This announcement follows a day after a declaration regarding a naval blockade of all targeted oil tankers to and from Venezuela. In that announcement on social media, the US president accused Venezuela of using oil profits to fund narcotics smuggling and other crimes, vowing to escalate the military presence.
Only on Tuesday, US defense officials said it had conducted strikes on three boats suspected of trafficking drugs in the Pacific, killing eight people. Beginning on 2 September, over 20 military engagements have killed at least 99 people, the majority off the coast of Venezuela.
Government Justifies Actions Amid Scrutiny
The administration has faced 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 pushed back on concerns that it is stretching the limits of lawful warfare.
While the administration has said the campaign is about halting drugs headed to the US, comments from a top official appeared to confirm a broader political aim. In a recent interview, the chief of staff remarked the leader “wants to keep on destroying vessels until the Venezuelan president surrenders or concedes.”
This suggests the series of strikes may be part of a strategy to oust Venezuela's current leadership.
