Family of Fisherman Killed by US Military Seeks Justice
The family of a Colombian fisherman, Alejandro Carranza, who was killed by the US military in a vessel strike off the coast of Venezuela, is seeking damages for his untimely death, as reported by the New York Times.
Background of the Incident
Alejandro Carranza is among the over 80 fatalities resulting from ongoing US military strikes targeting suspected drug traffickers. These operations are part of the Trump administration’s campaign to curb the influx of illicit drugs into the United States.
The Fatal Strike
On September 15, Carranza’s vessel was attacked, leading to his death. President Trump claimed that the boat was used by “confirmed narcoterrorists from Venezuela.” However, Carranza’s family asserts that he was an innocent fisherman who occasionally piloted boats for others. This raises concerns about the possibility that he may have inadvertently found himself amidst illegal activities.
Legal Action and Human Rights Concerns
Dan Kovalik, a human and labor rights lawyer representing Carranza’s family, emphasized the need for justice: “If the people on the boat were suspected of drug trafficking, they should have been arrested, not killed.” He further stated, “This case is important from two points of view. First, the family deserves compensation for the loss. Second, we want this case to help stop these killings from taking place again. This is murder, and it is destroying rule of law.”
Reactions from Leaders
The White House maintained that those killed in the military action were indeed narcoterrorists. Colombian President Gustavo Petro condemned the missile strike, asserting that Carranza had no ties to drug trafficking. He described the event as a violation of Colombian sovereignty, asserting that Carranza’s vessel was adrift, transmitting a distress signal due to engine failure when it was attacked.
A Heightening Tension
President Trump responded to Petro’s accusations by labeling him an “illegal drug leader” and threatened to cut off aid to Colombia. This exchange marks a significant deterioration in US-Colombia relations amid heightened military actions against suspected drug operations.
Recent Developments
The most recent US military strike occurred on November 15, with claims made via social media by US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth that three “male narco-terrorists” were neutralized in an operation targeting a vessel confirmed to be carrying illicit narcotics.
Conclusion
The family of Alejandro Carranza stands firm in their pursuit of justice, hoping that their case will not only bring them compensation for their loss but also prevent future tragedies arising from military actions based on questionable intelligence.
