A sharp escalation in patrols and security controls is recorded in the state of Sucre after the US bombings against vessels that Washington claims were used to transport drugs.
Inhabitants of the area describe a climate of fear, unusual presence of security forces and increasing restrictions on daily activities, according to a report published by Reuters.
The agency points out that Sucre – one of the poorest regions of the country and whose isthmus projects towards Trinidad and Tobago – has been hit by the US military campaign in the Caribbean and the Pacific, which has left more than 80 dead. A 60% of its residents depend on public employment.
According to Reutersthe US government maintains that the attacks have affected drug cartel operations, including organizations it claims are led by President Nicolás Maduro. The Venezuelan president denies any criminal link and accuses Washington of promoting “regime change” to appropriate the country’s resources, especially oil.
The increase in patrols in Sucre would coincide, according to the report, with the government’s interest in exercising tighter control in a region historically linked to illicit activities, including drug trafficking.
Two relatives of victims of the naval attacks told Reuters that after the deaths they were visited by police officers and agents of the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (Sebin). The operations included searches of homes and warnings not to spread information on social networks.. No one has received official communication or knows if there is an ongoing investigation. The bodies have not been recovered either, which has prevented them from holding funerals.
Neither Washington nor Caracas have revealed the identities of the deceased.
More agents on the streets and night controls
Residents of Güiria stated that since mid-September there has been a greater deployment than usual: officials from Sebin, the General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence (Dgcim), the National Police and military personnel, as well as civilians associated with groups related to the ruling party, known locally as collectives.
“They pass through the same areas many times, at all hours… now they are everywhere”he said to Reuters a community leader on condition of anonymity.
Other residents confirmed that patrols – many on motorcycles – increased after the announcement of joint military exercises between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago at the end of October. They also reported recent arrests and the installation of checkpoints run by agents whose identity is not always clear.
Venezuela’s Ministry of Communication did not respond to requests for comment from the agency. The government maintains that the institutions act within the law and in defense of national sovereignty.
Commercial activity in Güiria, traditionally supported by smuggling and informal exchange with Trinidad and Tobago, shows signs of stagnation.
“If it weren’t for government bonds, there is no money circulating”said a store employee. According to testimonies, boats no longer leave for the neighboring island: neither migrants, nor buyers, nor sellers of Venezuelan merchandise.
In Carúpano, a recent visitor declared to Reuters that the Dgcim installed a command center in a state hotel in Río Caribe, and that public spaces look half empty due to the fear generated by the presence of intelligence agencies dressed in civilian clothes.
“No one talks much; they don’t know if anyone is listening.”he stated.
