Colombian President Gustavo Petro Accuses US of Sovereignty Violation and "Murder"
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has made serious allegations against the United States, accusing it of committing an act of "murder" following a recent military strike on a boat in Colombian territorial waters. This incident, which occurred in September, resulted in the death of a Colombian fisherman, prompting Petro to voice his concerns on social media.
In his post on X (formerly Twitter), Petro stated that the Colombian fishing vessel was adrift and displaying a distress signal due to engine failure when it was struck. He is now calling for explanations from the US government regarding this incident.
The controversy intensified after former President Donald Trump claimed responsibility for the strike, asserting that US forces targeted a "drug-carrying submarine" and killed two individuals on board. Trump claimed that intelligence indicated the vessel was laden with fentanyl and other illegal narcotics. He further accused Petro of being complicit in the drug trade, alleging that he encourages widespread drug production in Colombia.
In his social media remarks, Trump stated that due to Petro’s inaction against drug production, the US would cease its financial support and subsidies to Colombia. This incident marks the sixth US military action against vessels in the Caribbean Sea in recent weeks, with this being the first instance where survivors have emerged.
In a follow-up post, Petro reiterated his claims, stating that US officials had committed murder and violated Colombia’s sovereignty in its territorial waters. The victim, Alejandro Carranza, was a fisherman with no connections to drug trafficking, and he was killed on September 15 when US forces reportedly opened fire on his boat.
While Trump defends these military operations as necessary to combat drug trafficking from Latin America, he has yet to provide detailed information regarding the vessels targeted or those on board. UN-appointed human rights experts have condemned the US strikes as "extrajudicial executions," raising serious ethical concerns.
Trump has been vocal about his administration’s stance, claiming that the targeted submarine was specifically designed for drug transport. He emphasized that the individuals onboard were not innocent and highlighted the ongoing threat of narco-subs, which are often homemade and difficult to detect. These submarines are frequently used to smuggle drugs and can be disposed of after delivery.
In recent weeks, tensions have escalated, particularly between the US and Venezuela, with Trump threatening actions against the Venezuelan government over allegations of drug trafficking. He has indicated that he authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela and is contemplating military action on Venezuelan soil.
As this situation continues to unfold, it raises critical questions about international law, sovereignty, and the impact of military actions on innocent civilians. The Colombian government, under Petro’s leadership, is calling for accountability and a thorough investigation into these grave allegations.
Stay updated on this developing story as we continue to monitor the situation and its implications for US-Colombia relations and regional security.
