US airstrikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean Sea are described as an 'act of tyranny' by Colombia's President Gustavo Petro in an interview with the BBC. Petro expressed serious concerns over the actions, stating there should be no loss of life in operations targeting narcotics smugglers.
The airstrikes, reportedly initiated under President Donald Trump’s administration, have resulted in the deaths of at least 17 individuals this month as part of a broader campaign to combat the influx of fentanyl and other illegal drugs into the US.
Petro criticized the strikes, questioning their legality and ethics. 'Why launch a missile if you could simply stop the boat and arrest the crew?' he asserted, emphasizing that such actions could be deemed murder rather than law enforcement.
Colombia has historically collaborated with US agencies for maritime drug law enforcement without fatalities. Petro insisted that there has 'never been a need to kill anyone' in these operations and condemned the disproportionate use of force, suggesting that more humane measures should be taken.
The White House defended the strikes, asserting Trump’s commitment to using all available means to prevent drug trafficking and ensure justice. Legal experts and some lawmakers have urged further scrutiny of the strikes, questioning their alignment with international human rights laws, while UN experts have labeled them extrajudicial executions.
Petro's remarks come amidst rising tensions in US-Colombia relations, with him accusing the Trump administration of undermining his nation’s sovereignty. He stated that South American countries would not 'bow down to the king', highlighting a growing rift over foreign policy approaches.
As the debate over the legality and morality of US military actions unfolds, the implications for Colombian sovereignty and regional stability hang in the balance.
