Colombian President Gustavo Petro has accused the US of killing an innocent fisherman during a strike on a vessel alleged to be involved in drug smuggling. The incident is part of a broader campaign by the US to combat “narcoterrorists” trafficking cocaine and fentanyl in the Caribbean.
According to President Petro, the fisherman, Alejandro Carranza, was a lifelong fisherman with no ties to drug traffickers. He was killed on September 16 when the US military destroyed several boats in the region. Petro stated that the boat was drifting due to an engine failure and had sent a distress signal, suggesting that the US military may have mistakenly targeted the vessel.
The Colombian President has called for an explanation from the US government, citing a violation of sovereignty in Colombian territorial waters. This incident has exacerbated the existing tensions between Petro and US President Donald Trump, who have a history of disagreements, particularly regarding immigration policies and human rights.
President Trump has announced that two individuals, a Colombian and an Ecuadorian national, picked up from a “drug-carrying submarine” would be deported to their home countries for detention and prosecution. He also claimed that the US destroyed the vessel, killing two of the four “known narcoterrorists” on board.
The incident has significant implications for the relationship between the US and Colombia, as well as the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the region. The Colombian government’s demand for an explanation from the US government highlights the need for clarity and accountability in such operations. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the US and Colombia will navigate this incident and its aftermath.
