Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro called for a criminal investigation into U.S. President Donald Trump over three deadly American strikes on boats in the Caribbean this month. Speaking at the United Nations, Petro denounced the killings as unlawful and urged prosecutors to hold even the “highest-ranking official” accountable.

Petro’s UN Accusation

Addressing world leaders in New York, Petro rejected U.S. claims that those killed were gang members linked to Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua group. “They were poor young people from Latin America who had no other option,” he said, stressing the attacks criminalized poverty and migration. He insisted that “criminal proceedings must be opened, even if it includes President Trump.”

Washington’s Justification

The White House said the September 2, 16, and 19 strikes targeted drug-smuggling vessels, killing 17 in total. Trump defended the operations with combative rhetoric, warning traffickers: “We will blow you out of existence.” However, officials did not specify how the cargo or affiliations were confirmed before ordering lethal force.

Evidence And Regional Fallout

Dominican Republic authorities reported seizing 377 packages of cocaine from the wreckage of a destroyed speedboat, reinforcing U.S. claims. Yet Venezuela condemned the strikes as “murders” at sea and denied the victims were criminals. Caracas warned of unlawful U.S. escalation in the southern Caribbean, as regional leaders debated the balance between cooperation against trafficking and protecting civilian lives.

Legal And Human Rights Concerns

International law experts and U.N. human rights officials argue that drug trafficking alone does not justify extraterritorial lethal strikes. Maritime conventions prioritize boarding and seizure over destruction. Analysts warn the precedent risks arbitrary killings and undermines international legal norms. Petro’s call for accountability has intensified scrutiny of U.S. counter-narcotics operations and their compatibility with global human rights standards.