A Tale of Fear and Defiance: Venezuelan Fishermen in the Line of Fire
In the tranquil waters of Lake Maracaibo, a sense of unease has crept in among the fishermen, casting a shadow over their daily routines. Wilder Fernández, an experienced fisherman, has caught his fair share of fish, but now, a new threat looms large, one that has him questioning his safety.
"It's a crazy situation," Fernández shares, referring to the recent deployment of US military might in the Caribbean. Warships, fighter jets, submarines, and thousands of troops - all part of a controversial operation targeting alleged "narco-terrorists" with ties to the Venezuelan government, according to the White House.
But here's where it gets controversial... Since last month, the US has carried out at least six strikes on suspected drug-carrying vessels, resulting in the deaths of at least 27 individuals. The latest strike, on Thursday, appears to have left survivors, but the US has yet to provide concrete evidence to support its accusations.
Experts have raised concerns, suggesting these strikes may violate international law. Tensions escalated further when US President Donald Trump hinted at potential strikes on Venezuelan soil and authorized covert CIA operations within the country.
Fernández, aware of the news, finds himself in a predicament. Despite the strikes occurring thousands of kilometers away from his fishing grounds, his wife urges him to leave, fearing for his life. Every day, she pleads with him to find another job, but Fernández feels trapped, with nowhere to turn.
"Of course, it worries me. I think about it every day," he confesses, expressing his fear of becoming a victim of mistaken identity.
One day after our conversation with Fernández, Trump announced the killing of "six narco-terrorists" in a US strike in international waters off the Venezuelan coast. He cited intelligence confirming the vessel's involvement in drug trafficking and its association with illicit networks.
The Trump administration has accused Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of leading the Cartel of the Suns, offering a substantial reward for his capture. Maduro, whose legitimacy as president is disputed internationally, denies these accusations, viewing them as a White House-led attempt to remove him from power.
In a defiant stance, Maduro declared on Thursday, "We will never be an American colony," during his second televised address criticizing the US in as many days. He also alleged long-standing CIA involvement in Venezuela.
Venezuela's Defense Minister, General Vladimir Padrino, warned citizens to prepare for the worst, describing a "serious threat" that could involve aerial bombings, naval blockades, commando landings, drone swarms, sabotage, and targeted assassinations.
The country also denounced the escalating threats from the US at the United Nations Security Council, with the US representative, John Kelley, emphasizing their unwavering commitment to protecting their nation from narcoterrorists.
Jennifer Nava, spokeswoman for the Council of Fishermen in El Bajo, laments the impact of these attacks on the security of Venezuelan fishermen. Nava explains that those employed in the fishing industry fear getting caught in the crossfire between US forces and alleged drug traffickers.
Nava argues that the increased risks could push some fishermen into the arms of drug and arms smugglers, making them vulnerable to recruitment for illicit transportation.
"Some of these guys are approached by traffickers," she says, adding that a decline in the fishing industry could exacerbate this vulnerability.
The fishermen of Lake Maracaibo are undoubtedly nervous. When news of the US strikes broke, most of the crew on Usbaldo Albornoz's two small fishing boats refused to work.
Albornoz, a 32-year veteran of the fishing industry, describes the situation as "worrying." He explains that his crew didn't want to venture out to sea, fearing the potential consequences.
In a leaked memo sent to US lawmakers, the Trump administration claimed involvement in a "non-international armed conflict" with drug-trafficking organizations. The White House defended the Caribbean boat attacks as "self-defense," despite legal experts deeming them illegal.
Beyond the fear, there's also a sense of defiance among some fishermen. At the end of September, hundreds of them took to Lake Maracaibo in a show of support for the Maduro government and to protest the US military presence.
José Luzardo, a spokesman for the El Bajo fishermen and a 40-year veteran, accused the US of aiming its cannons at Venezuela. He expressed his willingness to defend his homeland, even if it meant sacrificing his life.
"The Trump administration has us cornered. If we have to give our lives to defend the government, we will," he said, adding that what fishermen truly want is peace and work, not war.
Last month, the Venezuelan government mobilized militia members and called on civilians to join the force. Over 16,000 fishermen heeded the call, according to fisheries minister Juan Carlos Loyo.
Luzardo, who started fishing at age 11, declared his readiness for battle wherever needed. "If they [the US] want to kill us, let them, but we're not afraid," he asserted.
What do you think about this escalating situation? Is the US justified in its actions, or are there alternative approaches that could be explored? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
