Two Trinidadians Killed in U.S. Strike Off Venezuela

Two Trinidadian fishermen from Las Cuevas were killed during a U.S. air strike off the coast of Venezuela earlier this week, according to Guardian Media Newsroom.

The incident has sparked anger and grief among their families, who deny the men had any involvement in drug trafficking.

Guardian Media Newsroom is reporting that the victims have been identified as Chad “Charpo” Joseph, 26, and a man known only as Samaroo.

According to U.S. President Donald Trump, who announced the strike on social media, the vessel was “trafficking narcotics” and linked to “illicit narcoterrorist networks.” The strike was part of Washington’s ongoing anti-drug operations in the Caribbean, targeting what it claims are Venezuela-based trafficking routes.

In Las Cuevas, Joseph’s relatives and friends condemned the attack as unjust and inhumane. His mother, Lenore Burnley, said her son was not a trafficker and criticised the U.S. for destroying the vessel instead of intercepting it.

Joseph’s grandmother, Christine Clement, revealed that her grandson had been living in Venezuela for three months and had previously survived another boat attack. She described the latest strike as “wickedness.”

Local residents also expressed outrage, questioning the legality of the U.S. action. “What the U.S. doing there, I think it is inhumane,” said one of Joseph’s friends, Kern.

The deaths bring the regional toll to 27 from five U.S. air strikes since Trump ordered military operations in the Caribbean Sea. Despite mounting criticism, Washington has vowed to continue its campaign.