The U.S. military has blown up at least five more boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, reporting it killed at least eight people. Since September, the U.S. has claimed credit for striking 36 boats in the region. The Pentagon claims all of the boats were carrying drugs, but has not provided evidence. Meanwhile, Russia has asked the United States to stop pursuing an oil tanker which had been sailing toward Venezuela to pick up oil. In recent days, the vessel was added to Russia’s ship registry, and a Russian flag has been painted on its side. The developments come as the U.S. intensifies military pressure on Venezuela. On Thursday, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro said he was open to holding talks with the U.S.