Colombian President Petro Calls for Investigation into U.S. Caribbean Strikes

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has called for a criminal investigation into U.S. President Donald Trump and other officials following recent deadly strikes on boats in the Caribbean. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, Petro condemned the attacks, stating that the passengers were not members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang, as claimed by the Trump administration. He emphasized that if the boats were carrying drugs, the individuals on board were "simply poor young people from Latin America who had no other option."

The U.S. military conducted three strikes this month: the first on September 2, resulting in 11 deaths; the second on September 16, causing three fatalities; and the third on September 19, killing three people. The Trump administration justified these actions as necessary to curb drug trafficking into the United States but has not provided detailed evidence regarding the boats' cargo or the passengers' affiliations.

Petro's remarks coincide with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's announcement of preparing constitutional decrees to defend the country's sovereignty against potential U.S. military actions.

The U.S. has yet to respond to Petro's call for a criminal investigation.