US Accused of Killing Colombians in Aerial Attacks on Suspected Narco-Boats

President Petro Accuses US of Killing Colombians in Attacks on 'Narco-Boats' BOGOTA, Colombia - In a move that has drawn Washington's ire, Colombian President Gustavo Petro accused the United States of killing Colombian citizens during recent aerial attacks on alleged drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean Sea. According to Petro, there were indications that the most recently destroyed boat was Colombian and had Colombians onboard. The US military has launched at least four deadly strikes on suspected narco-boats since early September, resulting in multiple fatalities. "We have reason to believe that some of those killed or wounded in these attacks were Colombian citizens," Petro said in a statement posted on his official X account on Wednesday night. "This is unacceptable and demands an explanation from the US government." The US has maintained that its actions are aimed at disrupting transnational organized crime and protecting regional security interests. However, Petro's accusation has sparked a diplomatic row between the two countries. "The US has a responsibility to ensure that their military actions do not harm innocent civilians," said Maria Rodriguez, a Colombian human rights activist. "We urge President Petro to demand greater transparency from the US on these operations." The attacks have raised concerns about the escalation of violence in the region and the potential for unintended consequences. The Caribbean Sea has become a new theatre of war, with multiple countries involved in counter-narcotics efforts. In response to Petro's accusations, the US State Department released a statement saying that it is "committed to protecting human life and minimizing harm to civilians" during its military operations. "We take all allegations of civilian casualties seriously and will investigate this matter thoroughly," said a spokesperson for the US Embassy in Bogota. "However, we cannot comment on specific details about our operations due to security concerns." The controversy has highlighted the complexities of international cooperation on counter-narcotics efforts and the need for greater transparency and accountability. As tensions between Colombia and the US continue to rise, Petro's government is demanding that Washington release the names of those killed or wounded in the attacks. The situation remains fluid, with both sides engaged in diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue. Background: The US has been conducting aerial strikes on suspected narco-boats in the Caribbean Sea as part of its counter-narcotics efforts. Colombia and other regional countries have also launched operations against organized crime groups. Additional Perspectives: "We understand that the US is trying to combat transnational organized crime, but they must do so with greater care for human life," said Juan Carlos Garzon, a Colombian congressman. "This incident highlights the need for greater international cooperation on counter-narcotics efforts and the importance of transparency in military operations," said a spokesperson for the Organization of American States. Current Status: The situation remains tense, with both sides engaged in diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue. The US has pledged to investigate allegations of civilian casualties, while Colombia is demanding greater transparency from Washington on its military operations. *Reporting by Theguardian.*