Four men with diverse backgrounds from Venezuelan seaside towns were among the over 60 individuals killed since early September in U.S. military actions against boats allegedly involved in drug smuggling. President Donald Trump and U.S. officials have labeled these boats as operated by narco-terrorists and cartel members transporting lethal drugs to American communities.
The Associated Press identified four of the deceased individuals and gathered information on at least five others, shedding light on those who lost their lives in the strikes. Interviews with residents and relatives revealed that while the men were indeed involved in drug trafficking, they were not high-ranking cartel members or terrorists.
Most of these men, primarily laborers, fishermen, and taxi drivers, were new to crewing drug-smuggling boats, earning around $500 per trip. They resided in modest homes on the Paria Peninsula, dealing with intermittent water and power supply issues. Operating small fishing skiffs, powered by outboard motors, they transported drugs to nearby islands.
Concerned about potential retaliation, sources requested anonymity, expressing outrage at the lack of due process for the deceased. Information flow in the region has been restricted by criminal groups and the Venezuelan government, leaving families in the dark about their loved ones’ fate.
Venezuelan officials criticized the U.S. strikes, denouncing them as extrajudicial executions. They denied the presence of drug traffickers in Venezuela and refrained from acknowledging the deaths caused by the boat strikes. In contrast, the Trump administration defended the actions, considering drug cartels as “unlawful combatants” and justifying the strikes as a means to combat drug trafficking.
Sean Parnell, Pentagon’s spokesperson, reiterated the U.S. stance, claiming the individuals targeted were narco-terrorists involved in drug operations. The military has destroyed 17 vessels, resulting in over 60 fatalities, with some originating from Venezuela. These strikes coincide with heightened pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, as reflected in increased military presence in Caribbean waters.
Relatives confirmed the deaths through social media posts and word-of-mouth, navigating the lack of official information. They mourned the loss of their kin, grappling with the sudden and violent deaths without closure.
The Fisherman
Robert Sánchez, a skilled fisherman from Guiria, aimed to purchase a boat engine to operate independently but struggled due to financial constraints. Sánchez, like many in the impoverished Sucre state, faced economic hardships, leading him to engage in drug smuggling to support his family.
Sánchez’s story mirrors the broader challenges in the region, with economic decline driving individuals towards illicit activities like drug trafficking. The allure of quick money and the dire economic situation pushed Sánchez and others into risky ventures.
One of the First to Die
Luis (Che) Martínez, a notorious local crime figure, perished in the initial strike, sparking controversy over his alleged ties to criminal organizations. Despite his illicit activities, Martínez was a prominent figure in the community, contributing to local events and businesses. His death highlighted the complex dynamics of crime and community relationships in the region.
The Former Cadet and Bus Driver
Dushak Milovcic and Juan Carlos “El Guaramero” Fuentes, lacking maritime experience, turned to drug smuggling out of financial desperation. The economic downturn in Venezuela pushed individuals like Fuentes to engage in dangerous activities to make ends meet, culminating in tragic consequences.