Family fights US government over devastating boat strike incidents

US Military Strike in Caribbean Sea Leaves Colombian Fisherman’s Family Seeking Answers

A Colombian fisherman, Alejandro Carranza, 42, went missing on September 14 while fishing off Colombia’s northern coast. His disappearance sparked concerns among his family and friends, who feared the worst after the US government announced a military strike against a suspected drug boat in the same area.

The US has carried out dozens of strikes against suspected drug boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific regions since September, resulting in at least 115 deaths and two injuries. The victims were identified as “narco-terrorists” who allegedly ferried illicit drugs into North America by President Donald Trump. However, Carranza’s family disputes this account, describing him as a lifelong fisherman, father of four, and member of the fishing community in Santa Marta.

Carranza’s family has filed a petition with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IAHCR), seeking answers about his disappearance and potential involvement in the US military strike. The petition marks the first major international legal challenge against Trump officials for the boat strike campaign.

The US government has not released the identities of those killed in the strikes, nor confirmed or denied claims made by relatives who claim their loved ones were killed. Carranza’s family believes he died in the September 15 attack, citing his sudden disappearance and reported location of the bombing off Colombia’s coast.

Experts say that holding the US to account for the military operation will be a challenging legal and political battle. The lack of definitive proof of who was on board the boat makes it difficult to identify the victims. Without wreckage or remains washing ashore, it is unclear whether the destroyed boat and its crew may have sunk in international waters.

Carranza’s family is seeking justice for his alleged death, which they believe was a result of the US military strike. The case highlights the complexities of international human rights law and the challenges of holding governments accountable for their actions.

Source: Al Jazeera