The family of a Colombian fisherman, Alejandro Carranza Medina, who was killed in a U.S. military strike in the Caribbean, has filed a formal complaint with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR). Carranza, 42, lost his life on September 15, 2023, during an operation that the U.S. government claims targeted drug smuggling vessels, though his family asserts he was merely working as a fisherman.
In their complaint, the Carranza family disputes the U.S. government’s claims that the vessel was involved in drug trafficking, insisting that Carranza was simply fulfilling his duties on the open sea. The complaint states, “We know that Pete Hegseth, U.S. Secretary of Defense, was responsible for ordering the bombing of boats like those of Alejandro Carranza Medina and the murder of all those on such boats.”
U.S. military strikes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific have reportedly resulted in the deaths of over 80 individuals on boats labeled as drug trafficking vessels, a characterization that the U.S. has not substantiated with evidence. Legal experts and lawmakers have raised concerns regarding the legality of these military actions, arguing they may violate international law. Rights groups maintain that even if drug trafficking were confirmed, the strikes could still be deemed illegal.
In the complaint, the family claims that Hegseth ordered these attacks without knowing the identities of the individuals targeted, which they describe as “extrajudicial killings”, allegedly sanctioned by President Trump. The IACHR is a quasi-judicial body under the Organization of American States, tasked with protecting human rights throughout the region.
During a recent Cabinet meeting, Hegseth defended the strikes, stating that the U.S. has “only just begun striking narco-boats and putting narco-terrorists at the bottom of the ocean.” He explained that a temporary pause in operations was due to difficulties in locating boats, emphasizing that, “Deterrence has to matter.”
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has criticized the U.S. strikes, labeling them as “extrajudicial executions.” He has expressed support for the Carranza family in their pursuit of justice. On social media, Petro announced, “My lawyer Dan Kovalik has begun the legal defense of the Carranza family, victims of the American assassination of Alejandro Carranza.”
Carranza’s widow, Katerine Hernandez, described her husband as a “good man” who left behind four children. In an interview, she affirmed, “He had no ties to drug trafficking, and his daily activity was fishing. Why did they just take his life like that?” She recounted how Carranza had informed his father prior to his last trip that he was heading to a location known for good fishing.
Days passed without contact, and the family learned of the bombing through the news. Hernandez recalled, “The days went by and he didn’t call.” Friends of Carranza also defended him, emphasizing his commitment to fishing. Cesar Henriquez, a lifelong friend, stated, “He went offshore to catch sierra, tuna, and snapper, which are found far out at this time of year. I never knew him to do anything bad.”
As the Carranza family seeks accountability, the broader implications of U.S. military actions against suspected drug traffickers continue to stir controversy, raising questions about legality and human rights.
