Colombian Family Files Historic Complaint Against US Strikes

The family of Alejandro Carranza, a Colombian fisherman believed to have been killed in a U.S. military strike, has filed a complaint with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR). This petition, submitted by U.S. human rights attorney Dan Kovalik, marks a significant legal action against U.S. operations in the Caribbean, specifically targeting the legality of strikes that have resulted in civilian casualties.

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On September 15, 2025, a U.S. strike targeted a boat off the coast of Colombia, resulting in the death of Carranza. The U.S. government has conducted at least 22 strikes in the Caribbean and Pacific since early September, claiming these operations target drug trafficking boats linked to various cartels. President Donald Trump stated that the September 15 strike eliminated three "narcoterrorists from Venezuela." However, Kovalik contends that Carranza was merely fishing for marlin and tuna, asserting that he had no involvement in drug trafficking.

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Colombian President Gustavo Petro has publicly supported Carranza's family, stating that Carranza was a lifelong fisherman with no ties to illegal activities. Petro acknowledged that Carranza may have been financially compelled to accept money for transporting prohibited goods but emphasized that this did not warrant a death sentence. Following the filing of the complaint, Petro announced the formation of a commission of Colombian lawyers to investigate what he termed "crimes" related to the U.S. strikes.

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The IACHR has expressed concern regarding the U.S. military operations, urging the United States to align its actions with international human rights obligations, particularly regarding the right to life and accountability mechanisms.

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Critics of the U.S. strikes, including Kovalik and President Petro, argue that the operations violate both international and U.S. law. Kovalik stated, “These killings are against international law. They are against U.S. law. We want this to stop.” The complaint specifically names U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth as responsible for ordering the strikes, claiming that his actions were ratified by President Trump.

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Kovalik anticipates that Carranza's case will pave the way for additional complaints against U.S. military actions in the region. The IACHR's process allows for recommendations to be made to the responsible country if the petition is accepted, potentially leading to investigations and reparations for victims of human rights violations.

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• “These killings are against international law. They are against US law. We want this to stop, and we think this is at least a first step to having that happen,” — Dan Kovalik, U.S. Human Rights Attorney

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• “never did his actions deserve the death penalty.” — Gustavo Petro, President of Colombia

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• “We’re going to bring justice to these people,” he told CNN.” — Dan Kovalik, U.S. Human Rights Attorney

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This complaint represents a critical moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding U.S. military operations abroad and their implications for human rights.

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