Colombian President Gustavo Petro has accused the United States military of carrying out an airstrike that hit a Colombian civilian boat in the Caribbean Sea, allegedly killing several of his country’s citizens. The claim has sparked diplomatic tension between Bogotá and Washington, with both governments now under pressure to clarify what happened.
Petro’s Strong Statement
Speaking during a press conference in Bogotá on Tuesday, President Petro said the incident occurred near the San Andrés archipelago, a Colombian territory close to Nicaragua. According to Petro, the U.S. military “mistakenly targeted” a small vessel believed to be involved in illegal trafficking but which, he said, carried Colombian civilians.
“We cannot allow any foreign power to attack our people, no matter the reason,” Petro declared. “Colombia demands justice and a full explanation for this violation of our sovereignty.”
Petro said his administration had opened an investigation and formally requested information from the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá.
U.S. Response and Ongoing Investigation
The U.S. Department of Defense has not yet confirmed or denied involvement but stated that its regional forces were “conducting anti-narcotics operations” in the area when “an unidentified vessel was engaged.” Officials said they were cooperating with Colombian authorities to “determine the facts.”
Early reports from local media suggest at least four people may have been killed and two others injured, though officials have not released an official death toll.
Rising Diplomatic Tensions
Relations between Colombia and the United States have generally remained strong, especially in counter-drug operations, but this incident threatens to strain that partnership. Petro, who has been openly critical of U.S. military influence in Latin America, has previously called for more “sovereign cooperation” and less dependency on U.S. military support.
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Analysts say this incident could become a key test for the Petro administration’s foreign policy. “If confirmed, this would be one of the most serious military missteps involving the U.S. in Colombia in decades,” said political analyst Laura Sánchez, based in Bogotá.
Families Seek Answers
Families of the victims are urging both governments to release surveillance footage and flight data from the operation. “We need the truth,” said María Fernández, a relative of one of the victims. “Our loved ones were not criminals — they were fishermen.”
As the investigation unfolds, both sides have called for calm. Petro said Colombia would seek international support, including from the United Nations, to ensure accountability.