Colombian President Alleges U.S. Military Strike Killed Colombian Citizens; White House Denies Claim

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has alleged that a recent U.S. military strike in the Caribbean Sea targeted a boat carrying Colombian citizens. In a statement on social media platform X, Petro stated, "Indications show that the last boat bombed was Colombian with Colombian citizens inside it." He urged the families of those affected to come forward.

The U.S. military has conducted multiple strikes on vessels in the Caribbean, citing efforts to combat drug trafficking. The most recent operation, announced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, resulted in the deaths of four individuals described as "narco-terrorists" aboard a vessel off the coast of Venezuela. However, the identities and nationalities of those on board have not been publicly disclosed.

A White House official responded to Petro's allegations, calling them "baseless and reprehensible," and expressed a desire for the Colombian president to retract his statement to facilitate productive dialogue between the two nations. The official emphasized that, despite policy differences, Colombia remains an essential strategic partner.

This development adds to the ongoing debate over the legality and implications of U.S. military actions targeting alleged drug-trafficking vessels in international waters. Critics argue that such operations lack proper legal authorization and risk escalating regional tensions.

In related developments, Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino criticized the U.S. military presence in the Caribbean, describing it as a "serious threat" and warning of potential escalation. He accused the U.S. of using drug trafficking allegations as a pretext for broader geopolitical objectives.

The situation continues to evolve as regional leaders and international observers monitor the implications of these military actions and the diplomatic responses they provoke.