Tragic US Strike in Caribbean: Colombian President Reports Possible Civilian Casualties

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — President Gustavo Petro recently shared his concerns about a boat strike by the U.S. military off Venezuela’s coast. He suggests that Colombians might have been victims in this incident, stating, “The Caribbean front in the war has opened.” However, he didn’t explain how he reached this conclusion and called for families of affected individuals to come forward.

The U.S. has yet to confirm those aboard the attacked boats. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said a recent strike targeted a small vessel suspected of drug smuggling, resulting in the deaths of four men. No details about their identities have been disclosed.

This isn’t the first U.S. military action in this area. On September 2, a strike reportedly killed 11 individuals on a boat linked to drug trafficking, allegedly run by the Tren de Aragua gang, which is classified as a terrorist organization by the U.S. This gang originated in Venezuelan prisons and has a significant presence across Latin America.

Subsequent strikes occurred on September 15 and 19, with reports of additional casualties, including three more individuals. President Trump at the time characterized drug traffickers as “unlawful combatants,” justifying military action against them.

Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino responded to these actions, claiming the U.S. accusations are unfounded and intended to destabilize the Venezuelan government. He warned the public about potential conflict escalation, emphasizing the aggressive nature of U.S. operations.

This situation reflects ongoing tensions in the region, rooted in complex political and economic issues. According to a survey by the Latin American Public Opinion Project, nearly 70% of Colombians show little trust in U.S. intentions in Latin America, illustrating a significant skepticism toward foreign military involvement.

As tensions mount, both nations must navigate a delicate balance between combatting drug trafficking and addressing the underlying political challenges that fuel these conflicts. For continuous updates on this issue, follow AP’s coverage of Latin America here.

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