Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced that his country is preparing to take U.S. attacks in the Caribbean and Pacific to the United Nations. The operations target boats accused of drug trafficking, and Petro claims they violate international law. Colombia plans to submit a formal UN proposal urging Washington to end its aggressive actions in the region.

According to Petro, cited in statements on the social media platform X, international human rights groups have labeled the operations as “illegal.” He questioned how Caribbean governments and local populations view these actions, emphasizing that Colombia will seek UN intervention to stop the attacks.

Petro: Caribbean operations are illegal

The announcement follows heightened tensions after new U.S. military operations in the Caribbean. Petro described the actions as unlawful, noting that international watchdogs, including Amnesty International, have condemned them.
“Colombia should submit a proposal to the United Nations demanding the cessation of aggression in the Caribbean and Pacific,” Petro wrote, highlighting both regional and international concerns about the legality of U.S. strikes.

Trump previously labeled Petro a “drug trafficking leader,” further fueling tensions between the two countries. Petro criticized Washington for using military operations as a tool of political pressure in Latin America.

U.S. military buildup in Latin America

The Trump administration had earlier authorized the U.S. military to take more robust action against Latin American drug cartels. In line with this policy, the U.S. sent a naval task force to waters near Venezuela in late August, including three Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, three amphibious assault ships, a cruiser, and a coastal combat vessel.

The deployment is supported by unmanned aerial vehicles, fighter jets including F-35s, marines, and Coast Guard units. Most recently, the Gerald G. Ford aircraft carrier was also dispatched to the Caribbean, further strengthening U.S. presence in the region.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated the forces are prepared for “various scenarios, including regime change.” Trump even suggested that a U.S. ground operation in Venezuela could occur soon.

International law and human rights concerns

Since September, at least 14 attacks have been reported, mostly in the Caribbean and Pacific, resulting in over 61 deaths. Human rights organizations and legal experts argue that U.S. strikes on vessels allegedly carrying drugs violate international law and amount to extrajudicial killings.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called the operations “unacceptable” and urged an independent investigation into the incidents. “There are serious allegations of extrajudicial killings that must be investigated immediately,” Türk stated.

A new UN challenge

Colombia’s proposal is expected to be presented to the UN Security Council in the coming weeks. Petro’s administration asserts that unilateral U.S. military operations in the Caribbean and Pacific destabilize Latin America.

If submitted, the move would mark the first major international legal challenge to U.S. military actions in the region, potentially escalating diplomatic tensions and drawing global attention to questions of legality and human rights.