Surveillance and Fear Grip Venezuela's Sucre Amid US Boat Strikes

The northeastern state of Sucre in Venezuela is grappling with an atmosphere of tension after a series of U.S. strikes targeting suspected drug boats. Residents report a marked increase in security patrols, intelligence agents, and some ruling-party supporters since these operations commenced, leading to feelings of being watched and uncertain about the future.

Over recent months, U.S. forces have carried out numerous attacks on vessels they claim are affiliated with drug cartels. Reports suggest that more than 80 individuals have lost their lives in operations along Venezuela’s coast and even in areas of the Pacific, with casualties coming from Sucre, a region lying near Trinidad and Tobago. This state is among the poorest in Venezuela, with about 60% of its inhabitants reliant on government jobs for survival.

The U.S. government asserts these strikes aim to dismantle criminal networks allegedly connected to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. In contrast, Maduro's regime strongly denies any link to drug trafficking and accuses Washington of attempting to induce political change to seize Venezuela's extensive natural resources, especially its oil wealth.

Families of victims from the strikes describe a dramatic shift in their lives following the bombings. Two relatives, choosing to remain anonymous due to fears of retaliation, revealed that police and members of Venezuela’s SEBIN intelligence agency ransacked their homes shortly after the attacks. They received no formal notifications regarding their loved ones' fates and were cautioned against discussing the incidents online. The absence of funerals or explanations leaves them grappling with confusion and sorrow.

In the coastal town of Guiria, locals have noted a significant uptick in security forces since mid-September, intensifying even more recently. Residents have witnessed patrols from SEBIN, the armed forces, national police, and the military counterintelligence agency DGCIM. While some officers don uniforms, many others appear in civilian clothing and use unmarked vehicles, leading the community to feel that outsiders are intruding upon their lives.

Accused of human rights abuses, including torture and extrajudicial killings, the DGCIM has been sanctioned by the U.S. Meanwhile, SEBIN is notorious for surveilling journalists, opposition figures, and any perceived government critics.

A community leader from Guiria expressed concern over the relentless presence of patrols throughout the streets, a stark contrast to previous security conditions. He commented on how security forces, once sporadic, are now a constant presence.

Local business owners reported that patrols frequently include “colectivos,” motorcycle-riding supporters of the ruling party who accompany police in their surveillance endeavors. Although outwardly the situation appears tranquil, this unyielding oversight has given rise to fear among residents, who also noted the emergence of checkpoints, often without clarity on which group controls them.

The economic landscape in Guiria, which was already struggling, has taken a further hit since the beginning of the U.S. strikes. The town relies significantly on smuggling and informal trade with Trinidad and Tobago, but concerns over safety have halted boat traffic to the islands. Migrants and traders have ceased their activities, leading to a lack of financial circulation in the town, with only small government bonus payments providing any temporary relief.

In Carupano, another coastal city, a resident noted the establishment of a DGCIM command center at a hotel in nearby Rio Caribe. This increased security presence has resulted in quieter public spaces, as residents are choosing to remain home, with some recognizing intelligence agents in civilian attire. Conversations around sensitive subjects have dwindled, driven by a desire to avoid drawing unwanted attention.

The situation in Sucre echoes broader trends across Venezuela, where surveillance operations have become an entrenched aspect of everyday life. For many, the mixture of fear, silence, and economic hardship cultivates a heavy atmosphere. Once a vibrant community known for fishing and trade, residents now navigate life marked by uncertainty, praying for respite while bracing for ongoing pressure.

Consequently, the effects of the U.S. strikes extend beyond the water, altering daily life on land, tightening government oversight, and leaving families mourning without closure. For the people of Sucre, the ambiguity of the future looms large, accompanied by an ever-present fear of surveillance in their daily existence.