The Trinidad and Tobago government has asked the families of two men allegedly killed in a U.S. military airstrike near Venezuela to come forward and assist with the investigation. Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander expressed doubts about the men's innocence and noted inconsistencies in the media reports and family statements regarding their deaths.
Alexander urged the families to provide official documentation and missing persons reports to help authorities. Meanwhile, Gary Aboud from the NGO Fishermen and Friends of the Sea confirmed the deaths of Richie Samaroo and Chad ‘Charpo’ Joseph, who were among six people killed in the strike. He warned local fishermen to stay close to shore, citing safety concerns.
Alexander also mentioned past investigations involving the men, including narcotics-related cases. The U.S. military’s recent operations in the Caribbean have targeted vessels allegedly linked to Venezuelan-backed drug traffickers, causing tensions with the Venezuelan government, which denies involvement.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar supported U.S. military actions, expressing no sympathy for drug traffickers and endorsing strong measures against them.
