The official narrative from the White House is under serious scrutiny after new testimonies revealed a different destination than previously stated, exposing inconsistencies in the military operation.
By: La Tabla/Data Journalism Platform, September 5, 2025
The story constructed by Donald Trump’s government about the attack on a vessel in the Caribbean is facing fresh challenges. According to accounts from those claiming to be relatives of the victims, the boat destroyed by U.S. military forces was actually heading to Trinidad and Tobago — about 25 nautical miles from the Venezuelan coast — rather than toward U.S. territory as President Trump had claimed.
From San Juan de Unare, where grief engulfs a mourning community, stories have emerged that conflict with the official narrative. Individuals stating they are family members of the deceased told local media that the vessel departed on the night of Sunday, September 1, bound for Trinidad, as reported by El Pitazo. These accounts, still awaiting independent verification, suggest it was a maritime route traditionally used for trade between both shores.
The vessel, described by testimonials as a “flipper” type speedboat approximately 12 meters long, would have had limited range, making it physically unlikely to intend to reach the United States, which is over 1,100 miles away. Such statements contrast sharply with the official portrayal of a “narcoterrorist ship” capable of long-distance travels.
These emerging accounts force a deeper examination of the military operation’s premises. International protocols for maritime interdictions outline specific procedures that include warnings, attempts at boarding, and the preservation of evidence — protocols that, according to witness reports, may not have been adhered to in this instance.
Those identifying as victims’ families describe the deceased differently than the official characterization of “narcoterrorists,” although these statements have not been independently verified. The Venezuelan government, for its part, has not officially confirmed the identities of the victims or provided details of the incident.
The rise of these new accounts raises questions about the transparency of the operation and the accuracy of the official information provided by the U.S. government. Meanwhile, the international community awaits a thorough investigation to clarify the events and determine if the established protocols of international maritime law and human rights were followed.
The situation remains fluid, with multiple narratives circulating and no definitive official confirmation regarding the precise details of the incident and the identities of the victims.