US Military Executes Deadly Attack in Pacific, Leading to Four Fatalities
As stated by a high-ranking military spokesperson, the American armed forces executed a fatal strike on a vessel in the eastern Pacific, killing four individuals.
“A US joint task force conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel linked to a terrorist group in international waters. Surveillance confirmed the vessel was transiting along a established drug smuggling route and was involved in narco-trafficking operations. All four male drug traffickers were eliminated, and no US military forces were harmed.”
Background and Recent Actions
The statement comes a day after an announcement regarding a naval blockade of all targeted oil tankers to and from Venezuela. That statement on social media, the US president alleged Venezuela of using oil revenues to fund narcotics smuggling and criminal activities, pledging to increase the military presence.
Just on the previous day, the Pentagon said it had carried out strikes on three boats it accused of smuggling narcotics 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 Defends Actions Amidst Pressure
The administration has encountered increasing pressure 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 stopped drugs from reaching US shores and has dismissed concerns that it is stretching the bounds of lawful warfare.
Although the administration has stated the campaign is about stopping drugs headed to the US, remarks from a senior aide seemed to confirm a wider political objective. In a recent interview, the chief of staff remarked the leader “aims to keep on blowing boats up until Venezuela's president surrenders or concedes.”
This indicates the series of strikes may be linked to a push to remove Venezuela's current government.
