"The family of a Colombian fisherman killed in one of the Trump administration's strikes on suspected drug-carrying vessels has filed a formal complaint with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, alleging he was murdered by the U.S. government. The petition, filed Tuesday by human rights attorney Dan Kovalik, is believed to be the first related to the airstrikes, which so far have killed at least 82 people in the Caribbean and the Pacific since they began in early September."
"From numerous news reports, we know that U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth was responsible for ordering the bombing of boats like those of Alejandro Carranza and the murder of all those on such boats, according to the petition. Secretary Hegseth has admitted that he gave such orders despite the fact that he did not know the identity of those being targeted for these bombings and extrajudicial killings. The complaint also claims Hegseth's conduct was ratified by Trump."
"The death toll includes Alejandro Carranza, who died on Sept. 15 off the coast of Colombia during what American authorities have said was an attack on drug smugglers. Carranza's family, however, has rejected claims he was in possession of any drugs, and instead insisted the fisherman was only doing his job when his vessel was targeted in President Trump's anti-narcotics military campaign, according to the complaint."
Alejandro Carranza, a Colombian fisherman, died on Sept. 15 off Colombia's coast during a U.S. strike that American authorities described as targeting drug smugglers. At least 82 people have died in related U.S. airstrikes in the Caribbean and Pacific since early September. Carranza's family denies he carried drugs and says he was performing his job when his vessel was attacked. The family filed a formal complaint with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights alleging extrajudicial killing and violations of due process and fair trial rights. The petition accuses Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth of ordering bombings without knowing targets' identities and asserts presidential ratification. The family seeks compensation and an end to the strikes.
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