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Venezuelan fishermen in fear after US strikes on boats in the Caribbean

October 17, 2025

Fishermen in Venezuela's Lake Maracaibo region are experiencing heightened fears due to recent U.S. military operations targeting alleged drug traffickers in Caribbean waters. The U.S. has conducted at least six strikes on suspected drug-carrying boats since last month, resulting in at least 27 deaths, while tensions escalated when President Trump suggested possible strikes on Venezuelan soil and confirmed CIA covert operations in Venezuela. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, whom the U.S. accuses of leading the "Cartel of the Suns" drug trafficking gang with a $50 million reward for his capture, has denied these accusations and warned Venezuelans to prepare for potential U.S. military action.

Who is affected

  • Fishermen in Lake Maracaibo and northern Venezuelan waters
  • At least 27 people killed in U.S. strikes on suspected drug boats
  • Venezuelan citizens concerned about potential military conflict
  • The crew of Usbaldo Albornoz's fishing boats who refused to work
  • More than 16,000 fishermen who joined the Venezuelan militia

What action is being taken

  • U.S. is deploying warships, fighter jets, a submarine, and thousands of troops in Caribbean waters north of Venezuela
  • U.S. forces are conducting strikes on suspected drug-carrying boats in the Caribbean
  • The Trump administration is offering a $50 million reward for information leading to Maduro's capture
  • Venezuela is denouncing "mounting threats" from the U.S. at the United Nations Security Council
  • Venezuelan fishermen are participating in protests against U.S. military deployment
  • Venezuela's government is mobilizing militia members in response to perceived threats

Why it matters

  • The U.S. military operations create safety concerns for Venezuelan fishermen who fear being mistakenly targeted
  • The situation threatens the livelihood of fishing communities already facing challenges including pirates and oil spills
  • Increased risks could drive some fishermen toward drug and arms smuggling for economic survival
  • The escalating tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela raise the potential for broader military conflict
  • The legitimacy of Venezuela's government continues to be internationally contested following disputed elections

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC

Venezuelan fishermen in fear after US strikes on boats in the Caribbean