U.S. Navy Bombing of Suspected Smuggling Vessel in Caribbean Killed Colombians, Report Reveals
A recent examination by The new York Times has revealed that Colombian nationals were aboard a vessel bombed by the U.S. Navy in the Caribbean Sea as part of a stepped-up anti-smuggling operation. The incident, occurring amidst escalating tensions between the U.S. and Colombia over the scope and legality of the operations, raises questions about civilian casualties and the authorization of military force in the region.
The U.S. government, under former President Donald Trump, initiated the operations framed initially as a war against smuggling, but described by Colombian President Gustavo Petro as ”a war for oil,” asserting the aggression was “against all of Latin America and the Caribbean.” The U.S. reportedly requested Petro recant his statements, while simultaneously reaffirming Colombia as an “essential strategic partner.” The bombing occurred as the U.S. Navy sought to interdict vessels suspected of drug trafficking, with Trump claiming the operations were halting drugs “at a level no one has seen.” At least 21 people have died since the operations began, according to reports from officials in the region.
The revelation of Colombian casualties comes as U.S. lawmakers express concern over the legality of the operations. California Senator Adam Schiff stated, “we will force a vote to block President Trump’s use of our Armed Forces to carry out attacks against ships in the Caribbean Sea. Congress has not authorized these attacks. They are illegal and could drag the United States into another war.” The incident is highly likely to further strain relations between Washington and Bogotá and fuel debate over the extent of U.S. authority to conduct unilateral military actions in international waters.
