Colombian President Gustavo Petro has stated that a recent boat bombing by the United States involved a vessel carrying Colombian citizens. This assertion has been met with a strong denial from the White House, which has called the claim “baseless.” The incident is part of a series of US strikes on vessels in the Caribbean over recent weeks, which have resulted in at least 21 deaths. The US government maintains that these strikes in international waters target “narco-traffickers,” but has yet to provide specific evidence or details about the individuals involved.
The strikes have drawn criticism from various countries in the region, with concerns raised about potential violations of international law. Meanwhile, a measure in the US Senate aimed at preventing President Donald Trump from using military force against these boats was narrowly rejected.
President Petro responded to a post by US Senator Adam Schiff, who indicated his intention to vote against the strikes, amid congressional challenges to the executive use of military power. Petro highlighted the escalating situation in the Caribbean, suggesting a “new war scenario” is unfolding. He further expressed hope that the families of those aboard the bombed boat would come forward to report the incident. Petro criticized the actions as a “war for oil,” not a fight against smuggling, and a broader aggression against Latin America and the Caribbean.
The White House issued a statement urging President Petro to retract his remarks, while reaffirming a commitment to cooperation on regional security, despite acknowledged “policy differences.” The US claims its strikes, initiated on September 2nd, were directed at vessels off the Venezuelan coast suspected of transporting illegal drugs.
The Senate’s vote on the measure, introduced by Senators Schiff and Tim Kaine, failed in a 48-51 outcome, largely along party lines. This development follows a leaked memo suggesting the US administration now views its actions within the context of a “non-international armed conflict,” a classification that could justify wartime powers, including lethal force, even against individuals not posing an immediate threat.
President Trump has previously designated several cartels as terrorist organizations, expanding the powers available to US authorities in their counter-narcotics operations.
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