US Strikes Drug-Carrying Vessels: Five Dead in Two Days
The US has struck another vessel in the Pacific Ocean, allegedly carrying drugs, bringing the death toll to five in two days. Tensions are also escalating with Colombian President Gustavo Petro.
Former US President Donald Trump called Petro a “drug lord” and “the worst president Colombia has ever had.” Petro responded that he would sue Trump in US courts for defamation.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the Colombian leader “crazy.” The US attacks, which began on September 2, are, according to Washington, targeting drug smugglers in international waters.
A Colombian military source said that Tuesday's attack took place “near,” but not within, Colombian territorial waters. In total, the US has announced nine attacks, mainly in the Caribbean, with 37 deaths. The origin of the vessels has not been clarified.
The Pentagon claims that the US is in an “armed conflict” with Latin American drug cartels, calling them terrorist organizations. The Colombian ambassador to Washington, Daniel GarcĂa-Peña, was recalled to Bogotá for consultations.
Venezuela accuses the US of trying to overthrow President Nicolás Maduro under the pretext of fighting drugs. Maduro stated that his country has 5,000 portable anti-aircraft missiles.
Source: APE-MPE