American Military Conducts Lethal Strike in Pacific, Resulting in 4 Fatalities
According to a high-ranking defense official, the American armed forces executed a fatal strike on a vessel in the Pacific Ocean, resulting in the deaths of four individuals.
“A US joint task force carried out a lethal kinetic strike on a craft linked to a Designated Terrorist Organization in international waters. Surveillance verified the vessel was transiting along a established drug smuggling route and was involved in illicit drug transport. All four male narco-terrorists were killed, and no US military forces were injured.”
Background and Prior Strikes
This announcement follows 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 profits to fund narcotics smuggling and criminal activities, vowing to escalate the military presence.
Only on Tuesday, the Pentagon stated it had carried out strikes on three boats suspected of smuggling narcotics in the Pacific, leading to the deaths of eight people. Beginning on 2 September, over 20 strikes have killed at least 99 individuals, the majority off the coast of Venezuela.
Government Defends Tactics Amidst Pressure
The government has faced increasing pressure to release video of a September 2nd vessel attack. But, officials have refused to do so. The administration has supported its campaign as a success, saying it has prevented drugs from reaching US shores and has dismissed concerns that it is stretching the limits of lawful warfare.
While the administration has stated the operation is about halting drugs headed to the US, comments from a senior aide appeared to suggest a wider geopolitical aim. In a recent interview, the chief of staff said the president “aims to keep on destroying vessels until the Venezuelan president cries uncle.”
This suggests the series of strikes may be part of a strategy to oust Venezuela's sitting leadership.
