Venezuelan Fishermen Will Continue Operations Despite US Threat

Lately, the US has been meddling with Venezuelan fishers' operations, claiming they are pushing back on the illegal drug trade from the South American nation, which in turn has jeopardized fishers' livelihoods. However, they are determined to fight the odds put forth by the US and want to continue their operations, especially in the Carribbean Sea. A spokesperson for the Fishermen's Councils said: "They [the US] have already bombed some boats, but without any kind of protocol for action. They are murderers, and we have to protect ourselves, our safety, our boats, and the peace and stability of the Republic.” Some of the sailors have joined hands to create a group called the “fishing militia” with members from different regions (across Venezuela) to ensure the security of their colleagues while they are at sea but it is unclear how they will do so.

According to Spanish news sites, since August, at least 32 Venezuelans have been killed by the US, claiming they were transporting drugs. The US navy has built up a large force in the Caribbean Sea and the waters off the coast of Venezuela, including the deployment of warships. Tensions between the US and Venezuela peaked last month after a group of US warship personnel boarded a Venezuelan tuna boat that was operating in the South American nation’s EEZ. Post incident, the Venezuelan government made a strong rule stating that all fishing vessels must deploy onboard cameras.