US Military Strikes in Caribbean Raise Concerns for Fishermen’s Safety and Livelihoods

In recent weeks, US military actions targeting vessels in international waters off the coast of Venezuela have left fishermen from several Caribbean nations anxious about their safety and livelihoods, according to a report by CBS News.

Details of the Strike

On Friday, October 3, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth shared a video on X, previously known as Twitter, showcasing what he labeled a “lethal, kinetic strike” against a vessel that was purportedly involved in narco-trafficking and linked to terrorist organizations. Four individuals onboard were reported killed in the attack.

Earlier this morning, on President Trump’s orders, I directed a lethal, kinetic strike on a narco-trafficking vessel affiliated with Designated Terrorist Organizations in the USSOUTHCOM area of responsibility. Four male narco-terrorists aboard the vessel were killed in the… pic.twitter.com/QpNPljFcGn

— Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) October 3, 2025

Hegseth asserted that the intelligence backing the strike was robust, suggesting that the targeted vessel was engaged in narcotics trafficking, operating along a known transit route for such activities. He indicated that similar strikes would continue until threats against the American populace ceased.

Fishermen’s Fears

However, many in the fishing communities of Trinidad and Tobago are expressing their fears regarding the military operations. Recent attacks have forced these fishermen to remain in shallower waters, worried that their vessels could be incorrectly identified as drug transporters. This situation has resulted in decreased fish catches, posing a significant risk to their livelihoods.

Kamal Bikeran, a local fisherman, articulated the community’s anxiety, stating, “The US has come there, and the Venezuelan military is saying they are more present, so you have to watch out. At any point in time, outside there, you could be taken out.”

Political Response

US President Donald Trump hinted at a potential fifth strike during a speech at the US Navy’s 250th anniversary celebration in Norfolk, Virginia, on October 5. His comments suggested that the military’s effectiveness in targeting vessels has created a vacuum in US waters, making it challenging to locate any boats, including fishing vessels.

Trump remarked, “In recent weeks, the Navy has supported our mission to blow the cartel terrorists the hell out of the water… We’re so good at it that there are no boats — in fact, even fishing boats, nobody wants to go into the water anymore.”

Conclusion

The ramifications of these military actions extend far beyond a singular response to drug trafficking. The safety and economic stability of fishermen across the Caribbean are now under threat, raising significant questions about the balance between national security and the livelihoods of local communities.

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