The family of Alejandro Carranza, a Colombian fisherman killed in a U.S. military boat strike, has filed a formal complaint with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR). The complaint, submitted on Tuesday (December 2), alleges that the U.S. government committed an “extra-judicial killing” in violation of Carranza’s human rights. The incident occurred on September 15 in the Caribbean Sea.
Carranza’s family, represented by U.S. human rights attorney Dan Kovalik, claims that the strike was illegal and seeks compensation for the family, along with an end to such actions. The complaint names Secretary of War Pete Hegseth as responsible for ordering the strike and alleges that President Donald Trump ratified Hegseth’s actions. The U.S. has carried out at least 22 strikes on suspected drug trafficking boats since September, resulting in at least 83 deaths.
The U.S. government justifies these strikes as part of its campaign against drug trafficking, claiming compliance with the Law of Armed Conflict. However, Kovalik argues that Carranza was merely fishing for marlin and tuna at the time of his death. Colombian President Gustavo Petro supports the family’s claim, stating that Carranza had no ties to the drug trade, although he acknowledged Carranza might have accepted money to transport goods due to financial hardship.
The IACHR, which can make recommendations but cannot enforce rulings on the U.S., has urged the U.S. to ensure its security operations comply with international human rights obligations. The complaint marks the first legal challenge against the U.S. strikes in the Caribbean and Pacific regions, with Kovalik indicating that more complaints may follow.
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