Colombian President Gustavo Petro has strongly condemned recent US airstrikes on suspected drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean Sea, labelling the attacks an “act of tyranny.”
Petro called for legal action against US officials if investigations reveal that Colombian lives were lost in the strikes, which have reportedly resulted in 17 deaths since they began earlier this month, in an interview with the BBC.
US President Donald Trump has defended the strikes, claiming they are necessary to combat the flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into the United States. However, both legal experts and lawmakers have raised concerns about whether these airstrikes violate international human rights laws.
“Why launch a missile if you could simply stop the boat and arrest the crew?” Petro questioned, referring to the strikes as “murder.” He stressed that no one should be killed in operations aimed at intercepting suspected drug-smuggling vessels.
“We have a long history of collaborating with American agencies and other agencies of carrying out maritime seizures of cocaine,” Petro pointed out. “No one has ever died before. There is no need to kill anyone.”
The Colombian leader added that the use of force should be proportional, stating that anything beyond a pistol would violate the principle of proportionality.
The airstrikes, which have primarily targeted Venezuela according to the Trump administration, took place in international waters, but US officials have been vague about the specific targets and the individuals involved. There is also disagreement regarding the claim that members of the Tren de Aragua gang were aboard the first boat struck.
US Democratic lawmakers have expressed concerns over the legality of the strikes, with UN experts describing them as extrajudicial executions.
When asked about Petro’s remarks, the White House responded by reiterating Trump’s commitment to using all available means to prevent drug trafficking into the US and to bring those responsible to justice.
Since returning to office in January, Trump has escalated his rhetoric and policies towards Latin America, especially regarding immigration and drug trafficking, and branded Cartel of the Suns of Mexico and Tren de Aragua of Venezuela, as terrorist groups.
The US has bolstered its military presence in the southern Caribbean, deploying additional naval assets and thousands of US Marines and sailors.
Petro and Trump have had a contentious relationship, with the Colombian leader recalling how Trump previously insulted him during his presidential campaign, calling him a “terrorist.” When asked if his remarks would isolate Colombia further, Petro argued that it is Trump’s foreign policies that are isolating the United States.
