Colombian Family Brings Case Against US to Human Rights Organization

The relatives of a Colombian man killed during a US military operation on a Caribbean vessel have filed a formal complaint against the United States with a Washington-based human rights organization.

Alejandro Carranza Medina, 42, died on September 15, and his family disputes US claims that his boat was carrying drugs as part of anti-narcotics operations. They insist he was simply performing his duties as a fisherman on the open sea.

He is among over 80 people recently killed in US strikes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, targeting vessels alleged to be transporting drugs, though authorities have not provided proof. Families and some governments assert that many of those affected were innocent fishermen, and human rights advocates argue that the strikes violate international law even if the targets were traffickers.

The complaint, obtained by AFP, holds US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth accountable for ordering the attacks, asserting that the military actions infringed on Carranza's human rights, including his right to life and due process. It claims Hegseth authorized the strikes without confirming the identities of those aboard the vessels. The document also states that US President Donald Trump endorsed these actions.

Despite mounting criticism, Pentagon officials maintain that the operations are lawful under both US and international law. Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson emphasized that the strikes comply with the rules of armed conflict.

The complaint has been submitted to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), a quasi-judicial body of the Organization of American States focused on the protection of human rights in the region.

Carranzas widow, Katerine Hernandez, described her late husband as a good man and a dedicated father to their four children. She confirmed he had no involvement in drug trafficking, and that his daily work involved fishing.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has condemned the US operations as extrajudicial executions and pledged support to the family in their pursuit of justice. The US has deployed substantial naval assets to the Caribbean, claiming the operations are part of counter-narcotics efforts and targeting what it describes as narco-terrorists.

The strikes have heightened regional tensions. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has accused the US of using drug trafficking as a justification for interfering in his country. Relations between Colombia and the United States are also strained, with President Petro criticizing Washingtons policies on migrants and maritime strikes. Despite being removed from a US list of anti-narcotics allies, Colombia has not faced harsher sanctions, possibly due to anticipated political changes in the US.

Author: Benjamin Carter