The sleepy Caribbean islands of San Andrés and Providence, Colombia's isolated archipelago, are living in a state of heightened anxiety as US airstrikes aimed at disrupting cocaine smuggling intensify. The impact is being felt by the Raizal people, an Afro-descendant community that has long been integral to the region's fishing industry.
Since September 2025, the strikes have reportedly killed 215 individuals, many of whom were on speedboats suspected of carrying illicit cargo. While some young Raizal men have historically been involved in drug trafficking, residents and local organisations, including I-Fish, the main fishers' association, claim that the current rate of disappearances is unprecedented. Edgar Jay Stephens, president of I-Fish, corroborates this assertion, stating at least 16 island fishermen have gone missing since January 2026. He acknowledges some may have had connections to drug movements but stresses that not all were involved.
The strategic position of San Andrés and Providence, situated northwest of mainland Colombia, has historically rendered them a transit point for cocaine destined for North America. However, the recent escalation in US military action has created an atmosphere of pervasive fear among local communities. Fishers, who rely on the sea for their livelihoods, are altering their routines due to concerns they could be mistaken for traffickers. Ling Jay Robinson, a multi-generational fisher, conveyed this anxiety when he said, "We're living with fear."
A spokesperson for US Southern Command, responsible for overseeing these airstrikes, declined to provide specifics on operational details and stated there was no information regarding strikes or arrests involving residents of San Andrés or Providence. This denial follows previous US statements on bombings that have been criticised by lawmakers and experts for their inconsistencies, leading Stephens and human rights activists to question the transparency and accountability of these operations.
For UK nationals considering travel to the region, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises exercising caution due to the evolving risk profile. While the islands themselves are popular tourist destinations, the increased military activity in surrounding international waters and potential for instability linked to drug trafficking operations necessitate close monitoring of local news and FCDO travel advice.