In recent weeks, the United States military—under the Trump administration’s orders—has repeatedly attacked small boats off the Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Venezuela and Colombia under the pretext of combating “narcoterrorism,” killing at least 60 civilians. Yet, to date, the administration has presented zero evidence to justify any aspect of what appear to be clear violations of international law—even as it repositions troops and aircraft carriers to the Caribbean.
The administration’s bellicose actions, rhetoric, and military maneuvers have provoked alarm about the real aims of U.S. escalation, including possible attempts at hostile regime change in Venezuela. Regional leaders, such as Colombia’s Gustavo Petro, have spoken out strongly against the attacks, characterizing them as “murder,” and drawing ire—and a steep tariff increase—from Trump.
Take a listen to our recent webinar: American Attacks in the Caribbean: War on drugs or regional intervention?
Panelists include:
Francesca Emanuele – Analyst of U.S. foreign policy toward Latin America and the Caribbean, expert in human rights, democracy, and regional development. Francesca has closely followed initiatives in the U.S. Congress aimed at curbing unauthorized military interventions by the Executive Branch in Venezuela and other countries.
Alí Bantú Ashanti – Afro-Colombian lawyer and activist, is the founder of Justicia Racial, with over 20 years of work alongside Afro-descendant, Indigenous, and grassroots communities. Alí has worked closely with “boatmen,” fishermen, sailors, and small-time smugglers in coastal communities like those where others like them have been detained, or even killed in military operations.Our expert panelists will analyze possible human rights and international law violations stemming from the indiscriminate and extraterritorial use of lethal force at sea; highlight the social and humanitarian harm caused by maritime militarization in coastal and impoverished communities, who are recurrent victims of the so-called “war on drugs”; and foster informed public debate on the defense of regional sovereignty, multilateralism, and the protection of fundamental human rights.