Colombian President Gustavo Petro has publicly challenged the United States government, posting a map on his X account purportedly pinpointing the location of a recent U.S. military strike in the Pacific Ocean. Petro stated, “Notice to all governments in the area. This appears to be the exact area where the boatmen fell from boats that were bombed.” He indicated the location is 384 nautical miles from the nearest landmass (711 kilometers). The U.S. government does not typically release precise coordinates of its military operations, only occasionally confirming if strikes occurred in international waters of the Caribbean or Pacific.
According to Petro, three individuals died in the recent incident, with others surviving by jumping into the sea. This information, he claims, was obtained through the Colombian Navy and is being offered in a collaborative spirit. U.S. Southern Command confirmed on December 30th that three boats were targeted, allegedly involved in drug trafficking, though no evidence of narcotics has yet been publicly presented. The command stated that individuals aboard the first vessel were killed, while those on the remaining boats “jumped into the sea and distanced themselves” before subsequent strikes.
This exchange occurs amidst ongoing scrutiny of U.S. military actions in the region. President Petro has also publicly disputed the location of a separate U.S. strike in Venezuela, claiming it targeted a factory in Maracaibo, a claim refuted by the company involved, who attribute damage to a Christmas Eve fire. The U.S. government maintains the strike occurred at a port.
Survivors have been reported in previous U.S. strikes. An Ecuadorian and a Venezuelan national both survived bombings of a submarine on October 16th and were repatriated to their home countries after being found to have no criminal records. Additionally, the family of Alejandro Carranza, a Colombian fisherman allegedly killed in a September 15th bombing, has filed a complaint with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, supported by legal counsel representing President Petro.
Frequently Asked Questions
What action did President Petro take regarding the recent bombing?
President Petro published a map on his X account indicating the location of the bombing, and stated that three people died and others survived by jumping into the sea. He also offered information gathered by the Colombian Navy.
What did U.S. Southern Command say about the December 30th strikes?
U.S. Southern Command stated that three boats allegedly involved in drug trafficking were targeted, and that individuals aboard the first boat were killed while others abandoned the remaining boats by jumping into the sea.
Has President Petro been accurate in his reporting of U.S. military actions?
The source indicates President Petro has, at times, provided information that differs from the U.S. government’s account, such as his claim about the location of a strike in Venezuela, which was disputed by the company operating the facility.
As the U.S. continues its operations in the region, will President Petro continue to publicly challenge the actions of the U.S. government, and what impact might this have on the broader relationship between the two countries?
