Colombian President Gustavo Petro has alleged that a boat recently targeted by the United States in the Caribbean was "Colombian with Colombian citizens inside." The White House, however, described Petro’s claim as “baseless and reprehensible.”
The US has conducted at least four strikes on vessels in the Caribbean in recent weeks, killing 21 people. The strikes, according to Washington, targeted "narco-traffickers" in international waters. Details on the identities of those aboard the vessels have not been publicly released.
Regional and Legal Concerns
The strikes have prompted condemnation from several countries in the region amid concerns they may breach international law. The Colombian president suggested that these actions signify the opening of a "new war scenario" in the Caribbean.
Petro called for the families of alleged Colombian victims to come forward and report the incident. He emphasized that "there is no war against smuggling; there is a war for oil," framing the strikes as aggression against Latin America and the Caribbean.
US Response
The White House criticized Petro’s statements, urging him to publicly retract them. It acknowledged ongoing policy differences but reaffirmed its commitment to cooperation with Colombia on "regional security and stability."
US authorities maintain that the strikes, which began on September 2, were aimed at vessels off Venezuela carrying illegal drugs.
Congressional Debate Over Military Strikes
The US Senate recently considered a measure that would have required President Donald Trump to seek congressional approval before launching further strikes. The proposal, introduced by Democratic Senators Adam Schiff and Tim Kaine, was rejected in a 48-51 vote, largely along partisan lines.
A leaked memo earlier this month indicated the US is now categorizing its actions as a "non-international armed conflict." This framing may allow the administration to invoke wartime powers, including the targeted killing of "enemy fighters," even if they pose no immediate threat. Trump has also designated various drug cartels in Mexico, Ecuador, and Venezuela as terrorist organizations, expanding the legal scope for US counter-narcotics operations.
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