American Armed Forces Conducts Deadly Attack in Eastern Pacific, Resulting in Four Deaths
As stated by a senior defense official, the American armed forces executed a lethal strike on a vessel in the eastern Pacific, killing four individuals.
“Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a deadly attack on a vessel linked to a terrorist group in international waters. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was traveling along a established drug smuggling route and was engaged in illicit drug transport. A total of four male drug traffickers were killed, and no American forces were injured.”
Background and Recent Actions
The statement comes a day after an announcement regarding a blockade of all sanctioned 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 other crimes, vowing to increase the military buildup.
Just on Tuesday, the Pentagon said it had carried out strikes on three boats suspected of trafficking drugs in the Pacific, killing eight people. Since 2 September, more than 20 military engagements have resulted in the deaths of at least 99 individuals, most off the coast of Venezuela.
Administration Justifies Actions Amid Pressure
The government has faced increasing pressure to make public video of a September 2nd vessel attack. However, the defense secretary have refused to do so. The administration has supported its campaign as a successful operation, saying it has stopped drugs from entering US shores and has pushed back on concerns that it is stretching the limits of legal military action.
While the administration has stated the campaign is about halting drugs destined for the US, remarks from a senior aide appeared to confirm a wider political aim. In a recent interview, the chief of staff said the leader “wants to keep on blowing boats up until Venezuela's president surrenders or concedes.”
This suggests the military campaign may be linked to a push to oust Venezuela's current leadership.
