Family of fisherman killed in U.S. strike accuses murder and files complaint

The relatives of a Colombian fisherman killed during a U.S. military operation in the Caribbean have formally filed a complaint with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) against the United States.

Alejandro Carranza Medina, 42, died on September 15 when his boat was struck. His family denies U.S. claims that the vessel carried drugs, asserting that Carranza was simply performing his work as a fisherman.

The complaint accuses U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth of authorizing attacks on boats like Carranzas, leading to the deaths of those aboard. According to the filing, Hegseth acted without knowing the identities of the targets, and these actions were subsequently approved by then-President Trump.

U.S. operations in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific have resulted in over 80 deaths of people aboard boats allegedly transporting drugs from Venezuela, though critics say evidence is lacking. Legal experts and lawmakers have raised questions about the legality of these military strikes, noting that some victims were ordinary fishermen. Human rights organizations argue that such attacks are illegal regardless of the boats cargo.

Hegseth has defended the campaign, stating that U.S. forces are targeting narco-boats and their crews, emphasizing deterrence over arrests. Meanwhile, Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who described the strikes as extrajudicial killings, has pledged to support Carranzas family in their legal battle.

Carranzas widow, Katerine Hernandez, described her late husband as a good man and a dedicated father of four, with no connections to drug trafficking. She questioned why he was killed instead of being detained, highlighting that his routine was purely fishing. Friends also confirmed Carranzas work at sea, catching fish such as sierra, tuna, and snapper, far from the coast.

The family only learned of the attack through media reports after several days without communication from Carranza. His parents, Carmela Medina and Alejandro Carranza, continue to seek justice for their sons death.

Author: Logan Reeves