A shocking revelation has emerged from Colombia's President Gustavo Petro, who claims that a boat recently targeted by the US was carrying Colombian citizens. This allegation has sparked a heated debate and raised serious concerns about international law and the use of military force.
The US has been conducting a series of strikes in the Caribbean, resulting in the deaths of 21 individuals. While the US government claims these strikes are targeting 'narco-traffickers', the lack of evidence and transparency has led to widespread condemnation across the region.
But here's where it gets controversial: the US Senate rejected a measure that would have prevented President Donald Trump from using military force against these vessels. This decision has sparked a heated debate among lawmakers, with some seeking to challenge the use of armed forces in Congress.
President Petro responded to a post by US Senator Adam Schiff, a Democrat, stating that a 'new war scenario' has unfolded in the Caribbean. He further alleged that the latest bombed boat was Colombian, carrying Colombian citizens. Petro urged the families of the victims to come forward and report the incident, emphasizing that the war is not against smuggling but for oil, and it must be stopped by the international community.
However, Petro's claims have been met with skepticism and denial by the White House, which called his statement 'baseless and reprehensible'. The US government maintains that it remains committed to close cooperation with Colombia on various shared priorities, despite policy differences.
The US strikes, which began on September 2nd, were allegedly targeting vessels off the coast of Venezuela suspected of carrying illegal drugs. This has led to questions about the legality of these actions and the true motives behind them.
And this is the part most people miss: a leaked memo sent to Congress earlier this month suggests that the US is now categorizing itself as being in a 'non-international armed conflict'. This classification could grant the administration more powers, including the authorization to kill 'enemy fighters', even if they pose no immediate threat.
Trump has already designated several cartels, including those in Mexico, Ecuador, and Venezuela, as terrorist organizations, giving US authorities enhanced powers in their responses.
So, is this a justifiable use of force or a violation of international law? What are your thoughts on this controversial issue? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments below!
