Colombian Islands' Fishermen Missing After US Drug War Airstrikes 2026

The Colombian islands of San Andrés and Providence face a crisis as local fishermen are caught in US drug war airstrikes, leaving dozens missing and communities in fear. These English-speaking islands, home to the Raizal people, have become a battlefield in the fight against cocaine trafficking, with tragic consequences for innocent fishers.

Background: The Raizal People and Their Language

The Raizal people, of Afro-Caribbean heritage, speak a distinct Creole English, not Spanish. Their brightly painted wooden houses and verandas reflect a Caribbean and southern US architectural style. For centuries, they have relied on fishing and tourism, but the islands' strategic location between North and South America has made them a transit point for drug smugglers.

US Airstrikes and Missing Fishermen

Since September, US Southern Command airstrikes have targeted speedboats suspected of carrying cocaine in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. The UN has condemned these as “extrajudicial killings,” with 215 people killed. At least 16 fishers from San Andrés and Providence have gone missing since January, according to Edgar Jay Stephens, president of the local fishers association I-Fish. He noted that some may have carried drugs, but “certainly” not all.

Comparison of Casualties: Airstrikes vs. Previous Years

The pace of disappearances is unprecedented, with families left without answers. The US Southern Command declined to comment on specific operations but stated they have no information on any missing fishermen.

Key Takeaways

• Raizal fishermen are caught between drug traffickers and US military operations.
• At least 16 fishers have disappeared since January 2025, with many more unaccounted for.
• The UN has called for investigations into extrajudicial killings.
• Local communities demand greater protection and transparency.

Impact on the Community

Fishing is the lifeblood of the islands' economy. The loss of young, skilled seafarers devastates families and disrupts the traditional way of life. Residents report growing fear and distrust of authorities. The Raizal people have long faced marginalization, and now they are victims of a war not of their making.

Historical Context

For decades, young Raizal men have been recruited by drug cartels due to their seafaring skills. However, the intensification of US airstrikes under the Trump administration has dramatically escalated the danger. The islands are caught in a geopolitical struggle where local lives are collateral damage.

FAQ

The situation on these Colombian islands highlights the collateral damage of the drug war. As families wait for answers, the international community must demand accountability and protection for vulnerable communities like the Raizal people.