Trump's Label of Narco-Terrorists on Boat Crews Found to be Misleading, AP Investigation Reveals
In a recent statement, former President Donald Trump claimed that boat crews in Venezuela were narco-terrorists, but an investigation by the Associated Press (AP) has found that the truth is more nuanced. The AP's findings, published on November 8, 2025, reveal that the men killed in U.S. military attacks on boats since early September were a diverse group, including a fisherman, a career criminal, a former military cadet, and a down-on-his-luck bus driver.
According to the AP, Robert Sánchez, a 25-year-old fisherman from Güiria, Venezuela, was among those killed. Sánchez dropped out of school as a teenager and followed in his father's footsteps to become a fisherman, struggling to eke out a living on just $100 a month. His story is not unique, as many men in the region have turned to fishing as a way to make a living due to the economic crisis in Venezuela.
The AP investigation found that the men killed in the U.S. military attacks had little in common beyond their Venezuelan seaside hometowns. One of the men, a career criminal, had a history of violence, while another, a former military cadet, had served in the Venezuelan military. A fourth man, a down-on-his-luck bus driver, was simply trying to make a living.
The U.S. military began attacking boats in the region in early September, and since then, more than 60 people have been killed. The AP investigation raises questions about the accuracy of Trump's claims and the true nature of the men killed in the attacks.
"It's not just a simple story of narco-terrorists," said a senior U.S. official, who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity. "There are a lot of complexities involved, and we need to be careful not to oversimplify the situation."
The AP's findings have sparked debate about the U.S. military's actions in the region and the need for a more nuanced understanding of the situation. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the U.S. government will respond to the AP's investigation and whether Trump's claims will be reevaluated.
In the meantime, the people of Güiria, Venezuela, are left to pick up the pieces and try to make sense of the violence that has ravaged their community. "We just want to live in peace," said a local resident, who wished to remain anonymous. "We don't want to be caught in the middle of this conflict."
The AP's investigation is a timely reminder of the need for accurate and nuanced reporting on complex issues like this one. As the situation in Venezuela continues to evolve, it is essential that the public has access to reliable information and a clear understanding of the facts.
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