US Military Strikes in Caribbean Draw Condemnation from Victims’ Families

Family members from Trinidad are speaking out. They lost loved ones in recent US military strikes. The operations targeted boats suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean.

The Trump administration authorized these strikes. Officials state they are necessary to combat narcotics flow from Venezuela. Affected families accuse the US of bypassing due process and killing innocent people.

Trinidad Village Mourns Amidst Growing Anger

Chad ‘Charpo’ Joseph and Rishi Samaroo were from Las Cuevas. This is a small fishing village in northern Trinidad. Their families learned of their deaths through reports of the US airstrike.

According to The Guardian, relatives feel abandoned. Joseph’s cousin, La Toya, stated that due process was not given. She argued that the decision to destroy the boat, rather than capture its occupants, showed a disregard for sovereignty and human rights.

Other villagers echo this sentiment. They express deep distrust toward both the US and their own government. Many feel their leaders have surrendered authority to the Trump administration.

US Justifies Strikes as Counter-Narcotics Measure

The US military has conducted multiple strikes. A recent operation on Thursday reportedly left some survivors. These events are part of a broader campaign.

Officials from the Trump administration defend the actions. They describe the targets as “narcoterrorists” threatening American security. The goal is to disrupt drug trafficking routes originating from Venezuela.

President Donald Trump publicly supported the strikes. He confirmed intelligence indicated the boats were transporting narcotics. The policy has resulted in significant casualties in international waters.

The escalating military action in the Caribbean marks a significant shift in US counter-narcotics policy. This approach continues to generate intense international debate and local outrage over its human cost.

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How many people have been killed in the recent US strikes?

At least 27 people have died in the recent series of US military strikes. These operations have targeted boats off the coast of Venezuela.

What is the US government’s stated reason for the strikes?

Trump officials say the strikes are vital to stop narcotics from entering the United States. They identify the boats as part of drug cartel operations based in Venezuela.

Where are the affected families from?

The families of Chad Joseph and Rishi Samaroo are from Las Cuevas, Trinidad. This is a fishing village located in the southern Caribbean Sea.

How has the Trump administration described those targeted?

President Trump has publicly referred to the individuals on the targeted boats as “narcoterrorists.” This label is used to justify the military action taken against them.

What is the main complaint from the victims’ families?

Families argue their relatives were denied due process. They believe the US military chose to destroy the boat instead of attempting a capture for questioning.