The family of a Colombian man has officially challenged U.S. military strikes, claiming that the death of **Alejandro Carranza** was an extrajudicial killing. The petition, submitted to the **Inter-American Commission on Human Rights** on **September 15, 2023**, alleges that Carranza’s fishing boat was bombed while he was sailing off Colombia’s Caribbean coast. The family argues this act violated international human rights conventions.
**Daniel Kovalik**, the family’s attorney, stated that Carranza’s death has left his four children and spouse without their primary breadwinner. The family seeks compensation for their loss, highlighting the challenges they face in pursuing a federal case against the U.S. military. Kovalik remarked, “The U.S. does not subject itself to accountability, so we’re using the avenues we have before us.” He believes that a favorable decision from the commission, coupled with public pressure, could lead to the compensation they seek and potentially halt further military actions in the region.
The U.S. military began its strikes on alleged drug-carrying vessels in early September, claiming to have killed over **80 individuals**. These operations, which initially targeted boats off **Venezuela’s** Caribbean coast, have expanded into the eastern Pacific Ocean. The Trump administration asserts that its intelligence has confirmed the involvement of foreign terrorist organizations in these operations. Despite this, the specifics regarding those killed remain undisclosed.
The **September 15** strike that killed Carranza also resulted in the deaths of two others. During a press briefing, President **Donald Trump** asserted that the vessel was carrying substantial amounts of illicit drugs, stating that “big bags of cocaine and fentanyl were spattered all over the ocean.” Nonetheless, the military has not provided any photographic evidence to substantiate these claims.
Kovalik refutes the notion that Carranza’s boat was involved in drug trafficking, emphasizing that he was merely fishing at the time of the strike. He has also represented **Gustavo Petro**, Colombia’s president, in discussions related to sanctions imposed by the Trump administration. Petro has condemned the military actions, labeling them as “murders” and questioning the use of overwhelming force.
The petition submitted by Carranza’s family cites coverage from reputable sources, including **The New York Times** and **The Washington Post**, to support their claims. It also indicates that the family has faced threats since Carranza’s death, complicating their ability to seek reparations in Colombia. “The victims do not have adequate and effective resources in Colombia to obtain reparations,” the petition states, noting the dangers posed by right-wing paramilitaries.
The Pentagon has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the complaint. The military strikes have come under increasing scrutiny following reports that **Pete Hegseth**, U.S. Secretary of Defense, issued a directive to “kill everybody” on the first targeted vessel. An admiral reportedly approved a subsequent strike that resulted in the deaths of survivors from the initial attack. Hegseth defended these actions, asserting that the admiral “made the right call.”
In recent comments, Trump indicated plans for further military strikes on land, suggesting that Colombia could be targeted due to its status as the world’s leading cocaine producer. He stated, “Not just Venezuela,” while asserting a commitment to combating drug trafficking from any country involved in the production and sale of narcotics to the U.S.
The situation remains fluid, with the potential for evolving military and diplomatic responses as the family continues to seek justice for Carranza’s tragic death.
