Archive · 7 Nov 2025
Fishermen to First-Time Smugglers: US Strikes Kill Diverse Individuals in Venezuela Drug War
The US military has been destroying boats in the Caribbean Sea that they believe are smuggling drugs.
They say the people on these boats are terrorists and criminals.
But the people living in the villages where these boats came from say that's not quite right.
Many of the people killed were just regular workers, like fishermen or bus drivers, who were trying to make money because they didn't have jobs.
They were often only doing this for the first or second time to earn extra cash.
The US government says these strikes are important to keep drugs out of America and save lives.
However, Venezuela calls these attacks illegal killings.
Families of those who died are upset because they feel their loved ones didn't get a fair trial and were killed without a chance to defend themselves.
The US military says their intelligence confirms they are targeting terrorists, but the locals disagree.
US military has conducted strikes on over 17 suspected drug-smuggling vessels since early September, killing more than 60 people.
Victims identified include fishermen, laborers, a former cadet, and a bus driver, many on their first or second smuggling trips.
The US government alleges the targeted individuals are 'narco-terrorists' and 'cartel members' operating in an 'armed conflict'.
Venezuelan officials condemn the strikes as 'extrajudicial executions' and deny drug traffickers operate within the country.
Locals and relatives express anger over the lack of due process and state that economic hardship drove individuals to smuggling.
- Who
- US military; fishermen, laborers, former military cadet, bus drivers, low-level criminals, and a local crime boss from Venezuela.
- What
- US military strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats, resulting in the deaths of over 60 individuals since early September. The US alleges 'narco-terrorists' operate the boats, while locals describe victims as individuals driven by economic hardship.
- When
- Since early September; specific recent strikes mentioned as last month and September 2.
- Where
- Caribbean Sea, with at least three targeted vessels departing from Venezuela.
- Why
- The US administration claims the boats are trafficking narcotics and operated by 'unlawful combatants'/'narco-terrorists', aiming to stop drug flow to the US. Victims' relatives and locals state economic desperation pushed them to smuggling.
US Government Stance
Venezuelan & Local Accounts
Nature of the Targeted Individuals
US Government Stance
The US government alleges the targeted vessels were operated by 'narco-terrorists' and 'cartel members', classifying them as 'unlawful combatants' in an 'armed conflict'.
Venezuelan & Local Accounts
Local residents and relatives describe the victims as fishermen, laborers, bus drivers, and low-level criminals, many on their first or second smuggling trips due to economic hardship, rather than cartel leaders or terrorists.
Legitimacy of the Strikes
US Government Stance
President Trump claims each sunken boat saves 25,000 American lives from overdoses. The Pentagon states intelligence confirmed the individuals were narco-terrorists.
Venezuelan & Local Accounts
Venezuelan officials have condemned the attacks as 'extrajudicial executions' and denied that drug traffickers operate in the country. Locals express anger over the lack of due process, stating boats should have been interdicted and crews charged with federal crimes.
Identification and Acknowledgment of Victims
US Government Stance
The US government has not publicly identified specific individuals killed in the strikes.
Venezuelan & Local Accounts
The Associated Press identified four victims and pieced together details of five others through interviews with residents and relatives, who confirmed deaths through word-of-mouth and social media. Venezuelan officials have not acknowledged any citizen deaths in the strikes.
- Number of Vessels Destroyed
- 17
- Total Estimated Deaths
- Over 60
- Strikes Originating from Venezuela
- At least 3 (out of 9 in the Caribbean)
- US Administration Justification
- Vessels operated by 'narco-terrorists' and 'cartel members'; claims it saves 25,000 American lives per boat.
- Venezuelan Government Stance
- Denies drug traffickers operate in the country; calls strikes 'extrajudicial executions'.
- Victim Demographics (Partial)
- Fishermen, laborers, bus drivers, former military cadet, low-level criminals, one local crime boss.
- Average Monthly Income (Example)
- USD 100 (for a fisherman)
- Smuggling Trip Pay (Per Trip)
- At least USD 500
Sources
Factbox-US strikes in Caribbean, Pacific have left over 60 dead as calls mount for investigations
US Senate to consider war powers resolution to block strike on Venezuela
US Senate stops resolution to block strike on Venezuela
US Senate blocks resolution that would have kept Trump from striking Venezuela
US Claims 13 Strikes Since September Near Venezuela Coast, Killing Over 60
US B-52 Bombers Fly Near Venezuela Amid Trump's Crackdown Against Drug Vessels
US kills three men in another strike on suspected drug vessel, Hegseth says
Trump administration announces 17th deadly strike on an alleged drug boat
