By John Q. Hosedrinker 
In a recent statement, former President Donald Trump announced the cessation of funding and all other payments to Colombia. This decision follows accusations from Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who claimed the U.S. was responsible for killing a Colombian national during a drug-trafficking operation. Trump, in response, labeled Petro an “illegal drug dealer” and accused him of supporting drug production despite U.S. financial aid. The dispute centers on a U.S. military strike on a vessel near Colombia, which Petro alleges resulted in the death of a Colombian fisherman.
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US strikes alleged drug boat in Pacific Ocean for first time, and it definitely feels like we’ve stumbled into a very uncomfortable situation. The fact that this is even happening, with the United States essentially taking out a boat in international waters, really makes you stop and think. The normalization of these extrajudicial strikes, especially coming from a certain political sphere, is deeply unsettling. It’s almost as if we’re tiptoeing around the definition of an act of war, isn’t it? The implications of such actions are far-reaching and potentially dangerous, opening the door for other nations to follow suit.
These attacks, and the lack of transparency surrounding them, are troubling. The idea that the US can just strike a vessel, with little to no proof of any actual threat, and kill people aboard is a serious concern. The headlines often read “alleged drug boat,” yet the consequences are very real, very final. It begs the question, where does this end? What’s to stop other countries from taking similar actions, potentially targeting US vessels or, even worse, our allies? The potential for miscalculation and escalation is immense.
One of the biggest problems, it seems, is the inability of some to consider the long-term consequences of their actions. It’s a short-sighted approach that seems to prioritize immediate gains over any broader considerations. We’re creating a precedent that could come back to haunt us, potentially leading to retaliation against US ships and citizens. This could lead to a world where international laws are disregarded, and every nation acts in its own self-interest, with no regard for the rules of engagement.
This isn’t about the debate over drug cartels; it’s about the erosion of the rule of law. If we, as a nation that claims to uphold these principles, start dispensing extrajudicial killings, what moral ground do we have left? What is to stop other countries from using the same tactics against us or our allies? The lack of concrete evidence and the use of the term “alleged” raise serious doubts about the legitimacy of these strikes. The idea that these are war crimes shouldn’t be dismissed lightly.
The way these events are being handled, the lack of due process, the casual disregard for human life – it’s all incredibly disturbing. The focus should be on upholding the law, not skirting around it. Instead of simply blowing up boats, shouldn’t there be an attempt to detain, investigate, and bring those suspected of wrongdoing to justice? The lack of evidence presented and the use of expensive munitions for what appears to be a reactive measure further adds to the suspicion.
The question of how the US is getting its intel on these suspected smuggler boats is also important. The lack of clarity around this process just fuels speculation and distrust. The way the military operates makes it hard to say where this information is coming from. If the goal is to stop drug trafficking, wouldn’t it be more effective to seize the evidence and make a case?
The precedent being set is incredibly dangerous. It allows the administration to claim that they can blow up whoever they want wherever they want, without providing any real explanation. It is time for people to question the actions of the administration. People need to speak up. It’s time for the people to demand accountability.