The family of a Colombian man has formally challenged the legality of a United States military strike, alleging that it resulted in an extrajudicial killing. The complaint, submitted to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, claims that the U.S. military bombed the fishing vessel of Alejandro Carranza on September 15, 2023, off the Caribbean coast of Colombia, violating international human rights conventions.
According to the petition, Carranza was targeted while sailing, and his death has raised significant concerns regarding the conduct of U.S. military operations in the region. The complaint, received by the commission on Tuesday, highlights that the Trump administration has expressed support for the commission’s efforts, yet the U.S. does not recognize the jurisdiction of the associated international court, rendering any recommendations non-binding.
The family, represented by attorney Daniel Kovalik, seeks compensation for their loss, as Carranza was the primary breadwinner for his four children and spouse. Kovalik explained that the decision to approach the commission was influenced by the challenges they would face in pursuing a federal case in the United States. He emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “The U.S. does not subject itself to accountability, so we’re using the avenues we have before us.”
Details of the Military Strikes and Their Context
U.S. military actions have intensified since early September, with reports indicating that over 80 individuals have been killed in strikes targeting vessels allegedly transporting drugs to the United States. These operations initially focused on the Venezuelan Caribbean coast before extending to the eastern Pacific Ocean. The military buildup in the region is perceived by many as a strategy to exert pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Despite these claims, the Trump administration has provided limited information regarding the specifics of the operations or the identity of the deceased. The military’s strike on Carranza’s vessel resulted in three fatalities. When questioned about the evidence of drug trafficking, President Trump mentioned that large quantities of cocaine and fentanyl were found scattered in the ocean, although no official images have been released to substantiate these claims.
Kovalik contests the assertion that Carranza’s boat was involved in drug trafficking, stating he is unaware of any other individuals aboard the vessel at the time. He has also been vocal about the implications of the strikes, representing Colombian President Gustavo Petro in the U.S. after sanctions were imposed against him by the Trump administration. President Petro has condemned the strikes, labeling them as “murders” and questioning the proportionality of the military response.
Threats and Challenges Following the Incident
The petition filed by Carranza’s family cites various sources, including articles from The New York Times and The Washington Post, to substantiate their allegations. It further notes that the family has faced threats since Carranza’s death, complicating their pursuit of justice. The petition states, “The victims do not have adequate and effective resources in Colombia to obtain reparations… moreover, even if such resources existed, the victims could not exercise them safely, given that they have been threatened by right-wing paramilitaries simply for denouncing Mr. Carranza’s murder.”
The Pentagon has not yet responded to requests for comments regarding the family’s complaint. Scrutiny of the U.S. military’s actions has intensified following reports that Pete Hegseth, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, issued a directive to “kill everybody” on the first boat targeted, with subsequent orders leading to strikes resulting in additional casualties.
Amid growing tensions, President Trump indicated that further military actions may soon extend to land-based operations in countries beyond Venezuela, hinting at Colombia as a potential target. He remarked, “We know the routes they take… and we’re going to start that very soon, too.”
As the family of Alejandro Carranza seeks justice and accountability, the implications of U.S. military operations in the region continue to unfold, highlighting the complex intersection of international relations, human rights, and the ongoing struggle against drug trafficking.
