Family of man killed in boating accident in the Caribbean files complaint

The relatives of a Colombian fisherman who died in a United States military operation targeting an alleged drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean Sea have formally lodged a complaint with an intergovernmental human rights body.

The complaint, submitted to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), alleges that the US violated Alejandro Carranzas rights to life and due process during a bombing on September 15, conducted as part of the Trump administrations anti-drug campaign. Carranzas family asserts that he was aboard the vessel and perished in the strike.

According to the filing, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth authorized attacks on boats like Carranzas without confirming the identities of those on board. These strikes were carried out despite lacking knowledge of the targets identities, the complaint states. Carranzas family insists he was a fisherman with no involvement in drug trafficking.

The complaint also cites former President Donald Trump as having endorsed Hegseths actions. The case has sparked controversy in Colombia, fueling opposition to US military operations in the Caribbean. Since September 2, at least 21 US strikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels have resulted in over 83 deaths.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has publicly criticized the strikes as extrajudicial killings, stating that US forces violated Colombian sovereignty and that Carranza had no connections to illegal activity. Petro called for an explanation from the US government regarding the attack on Carranzas vessel, which had been disabled at sea.

The complaint emerges amid growing international scrutiny of the Trump administration and Hegseth. Legal observers argue that attacks on civilians violate both domestic and international law, as drug trafficking does not constitute an act of combat. Reports of a double-tap strike on September 2, which allegedly targeted survivors of an initial attack, have intensified calls for accountability. Experts suggest such actions may constitute war crimes under the laws of armed conflict.

While Trump and Hegseth have sought to distance themselves from the follow-up strike, claiming it was ordered by Navy Vice Admiral Frank Bradley, the US government has maintained that the attacks were legal and will continue to deter drug trafficking operations in the region.

Katerine Hernandez, Carranzas widow, described her husband as a good man whose livelihood was fishing, reaffirming that he had no links to illegal trafficking. The family seeks justice as the US continues to deploy military resources in the Caribbean, with potential operations in Venezuela raising additional tensions. Venezuelan President Nicols Maduro has accused the US of using anti-drug efforts as a cover for regime change.

The IACHR, part of the Organization of American States (OAS), regularly reviews human rights complaints and can refer cases to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights for further action.

Author: Riley Thompson