Colombian President Gustavo Petro has denounced a U.S. airstrike in the Caribbean, claiming that the latest targeted vessel was Colombian and that its passengers were Colombian citizens.
Writing on X, Petro stated: “A new theater of war emerges: the Caribbean. This attack is being carried out against all of Latin America and the Caribbean.” The president, who is currently in Belgium for talks with European leaders, made the remarks in response to a post by U.S. Senator Adam Schiff. Schiff, along with Senator Tim Kaine, announced that they plan to vote to block strikes on ships in the Caribbean.
The White House has not immediately responded to requests for comment.
According to Petro, in recent weeks at least four ships have been struck in the region, resulting in 21 deaths. The United States has maintained that the vessels targeted were transporting significant quantities of illegal drugs.
The escalating airstrikes have sparked concern in Latin America and the Caribbean, with critics warning that such actions may endanger civilian lives and destabilize the region. Petro’s comments highlight the growing tension between Colombia and the United States over military interventions in international waters and the ongoing war on drugs.
