The family of a Colombian man has formally challenged U.S. military strikes, claiming that his death during an operation targeting alleged drug-trafficking boats constituted an extrajudicial killing. The petition, submitted to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights on September 15, 2023, argues that the bombing of Alejandro Carranza’s fishing boat violated human rights conventions.
Carranza was struck while sailing off Colombia’s Caribbean coast. The family contends that these military actions, ordered by the U.S. government, are not only unlawful but also represent a serious disregard for human life. The complaint was received by the commission on Tuesday, although the U.S. does not recognize the jurisdiction of the associated international court, meaning that any recommendations from the commission would not be legally binding.
Family attorney Daniel Kovalik stated that Carranza’s four children and spouse are seeking compensation, as he was their primary breadwinner. Kovalik explained that the family opted for the commission due to anticipated challenges in pursuing a federal case in the U.S., yet they have not dismissed that possibility. “The U.S. does not subject itself to accountability, so we’re using the avenues we have before us,” Kovalik stated. He emphasized that a favorable decision could generate public pressure leading to both compensation and an end to similar military actions in the Caribbean.
The U.S. military has conducted strikes in the region since early September, claiming to target vessels carrying drugs. According to reports, more than 80 people have been killed in these operations. The U.S. government’s military presence has significantly increased in the area, which many analysts view as a strategy to apply pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to resign.
President Donald Trump has asserted that intelligence indicates the targeted vessels were linked to foreign terrorist organizations. In a statement following the September 15 strike, Trump claimed that evidence of drugs was visible in the ocean, yet photographic evidence was not provided by military or White House officials. Kovalik has denied that Carranza’s boat was involved in drug trafficking, and he remains uncertain about the presence of others on board.
The situation has drawn further scrutiny after reports emerged indicating that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth issued a verbal order to “kill everybody” on the initial vessel targeted, with an admiral allegedly approving a follow-up strike that killed survivors from the first attack. Hegseth has defended the decision, asserting that the admiral “made the right call.”
Since Carranza’s death, his family has reportedly received threats, complicating their pursuit of justice. The petition highlights that they lack adequate resources in Colombia to seek reparations safely, as they face intimidation from right-wing paramilitary groups. “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,” the petition states.
The Pentagon has not provided immediate comments on the complaint. The U.S. military’s actions have come under increasing scrutiny, particularly as reports detail the aggressive tactics employed during these operations. In an announcement on Tuesday, Trump indicated that land strikes would soon commence, suggesting that Colombia might be included in future military actions. He noted that the U.S. is aware of the routes taken by drug traffickers and that anyone involved in manufacturing and selling drugs to the U.S. could be targeted.
As the Carranza family seeks justice, their case raises critical questions about the legality and ethics of military operations conducted abroad, particularly in regions already fraught with violence and instability.
