venezuelan fishermen expressed anxieties November 19, 2025, about potential U.S. military strikes as tensions escalate between Washington and Caracas over upcoming december 3 presidential elections. Concerns center on misidentification during possible military action, with one fisherman stating, “I hope the Americans don’t mistake me [for something else].”
The apprehension stems from heightened U.S. scrutiny of Venezuela‘s political landscape and warnings regarding unfair elections. The Biden management has threatened to reimpose sanctions lifted in October 2023 if President Nicolás Maduro’s government fails to allow full participation from opposition candidates. The possibility of U.S.intervention, even limited strikes targeting specific infrastructure, has prompted fears among coastal communities reliant on fishing for their livelihoods. The Washington Post,reporting from the Venezuelan coast,documented the anxieties of fishermen who fear being caught in the crossfire.
Fishermen operating near strategic locations-oil facilities, military installations-are notably worried. They navigate waters that could become zones of conflict, increasing the risk of accidental engagement. The potential for misidentification is a meaningful concern, as fishing vessels may resemble targets in a rapidly evolving security situation. René matouš of Seznam Zpravy contributed to the reporting.
