Colombia's President Claims US Strikes Targeted Colombian Civilians

Sat Oct 11 2025 01:32:31 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Colombian President Gustavo Petro alleges that a US military strike hit a vessel carrying Colombian citizens, a claim the White House refutes as unfounded. The incident raises questions about international law and regional security.

In a recent turn of events, Colombian President Gustavo Petro asserted that a US naval strike targeted a boat with Colombian citizens onboard. The accusations come amidst a series of US military actions in the Caribbean aimed at combating drug trafficking. The White House dismissed these claims as baseless, highlighting ongoing tensions regarding military interventions in international waters and the implications for regional stability.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has stated that a recent US bombing incident involved a boat that was Colombian with Colombian citizens inside, prompting the White House to label the assertion as baseless. The US military has conducted multiple strikes in the Caribbean over recent weeks, reportedly targeting vessels linked to narco-trafficking in international waters. These US actions have drawn criticism from regional leaders who raise concerns about potential violations of international law.

The US has not offered substantial evidence regarding the occupants of the targeted vessels, which have resulted in at least 21 deaths, generating backlash among affected countries. In response to calls for restraint, the US Senate voted against a proposal that would have required President Donald Trump to seek congressional approval for military strikes on these boats.

During discussions on social media, President Petro responded to US Senator Adam Schiff's remarks about the necessity of blocking such military actions, calling for a reevaluation of the recent shifts towards military engagement in the Caribbean region. Petro noted, I hope their families come forward and report it. There is no war against smuggling; there is a war for oil and it must be stopped by the world... The aggression is against all of Latin America and the Caribbean.

While Senator Schiff indicated support for measures restricting military force, the recent strikes have highlighted a growing reluctance among US lawmakers to restrain presidential military powers. The White House aims for nuanced relations with Colombia despite these escalating tensions as both nations navigate complex policy disagreements.

Petro's statements came amidst broader discussions on international military operations, suggesting a significant shift in Colombia's perception of US interventions. The US administration continues to categorize its actions as necessary to combat drug trafficking, framing these engagements as crucial for regional security while stirring dialogue on the ethical implications of military force in international waters.