Colombian Family Files Urgent Complaint Over U.S. Airstrike Death

UPDATE: The family of Colombian fisherman Alejandro Carranza has filed an urgent human rights complaint with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights following his death attributed to a U.S. military airstrike. This incident occurred on September 15, 2023, off the coast of Colombia, amid ongoing operations against drug trafficking.

The complaint, submitted on December 3, claims Carranza was killed during a strike that destroyed his fishing vessel, a situation the family describes as an “extrajudicial execution.” They demand accountability for the actions of U.S. officials, specifically targeting Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, whose orders were allegedly approved by former President Donald Trump.

The case shines a spotlight on the U.S. military’s increased operations in the Caribbean, where more than 20 airstrikes have been conducted since early September, resulting in over 80 fatalities and only a handful of survivors. Authorities maintain these strikes are necessary to combat criminal organizations threatening U.S. national security.

In a powerful statement, Colombian President Gustavo Petro condemned the military actions, emphasizing that Carranza was simply performing his job as a fisherman. “A very poor family living in the poorest neighborhood of Santa Marta. They are neither terrorists nor drug traffickers,” he stated on X, urging families affected by the strikes to come forward.

The Inter-American Commission has the authority to monitor and promote human rights across the Americas, though it cannot issue binding judgments. The United States has not ratified the American Convention on Human Rights, complicating any potential legal repercussions.

Human rights attorney Daniel Kovalik, who supports the family’s complaint, called for thorough investigations and reparations. The complaint alleges that Carranza’s boat sent out a distress signal before the strike, which the family claims was visible in footage showing their vessel aflame after the missile hit.

“Every state must guarantee the right to life and due process, even during military operations outside its borders,” the commission stated, expressing grave concern over the extraterritorial use of lethal force.

As this situation develops, the commission is urging the U.S. to ensure all military actions comply with international human rights standards and to conduct impartial investigations into the incidents.

The ramifications of this complaint could resonate globally, impacting how military operations are conducted in foreign territories. As the family seeks justice for Carranza, the world watches closely, raising critical questions about the legality and morality of U.S. military interventions abroad.

This unfolding story highlights the urgent need for accountability as nations navigate the complex interplay of national security and human rights. More updates are expected as the Inter-American Commission reviews the case and the U.S. responds to these serious allegations.