Dozens of political leaders across Latin America have condemned what they describe as a U.S. military campaign involving the bombing of boats in the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean. The attacks, which began last month, have drawn widespread criticism for their potential to destabilize the region.
In a letter shared by Progressive International on its X account, leaders from various Latin American countries expressed concern over what they called a campaign of extrajudicial killings targeting individuals suspected of drug trafficking. They argued that these actions threaten regional peace and could serve as a pretext for further military intervention.
The letter stated that the Trump administration has been increasing its military presence near Venezuela, deploying naval forces in the Caribbean as part of preparations for possible armed intervention. It criticized the administration’s justification for such actions, noting that President Trump has praised lethal strikes against fishermen accused of drug smuggling.
Leaders also referenced past U.S. military interventions in the region, highlighting how such actions have historically led to instability, including the rise of dictatorships, forced disappearances, and long-term trauma. They emphasized that they will not allow history to repeat itself.
The letter urged unity among political forces in Latin America and the Caribbean to prevent further conflict. It concluded with a call for solidarity in defense of national sovereignty and public security.
Over the past seven weeks, the U.S. military has conducted at least nine attacks on boats in the Caribbean and the Pacific, resulting in the deaths of at least 37 people. While the administration claims the targets were involved in drug smuggling, it has not provided evidence to support this assertion. Both President Trump and Vice President have made light-hearted remarks about the dangers of fishing in the region, implying that civilians could be harmed in such operations.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro recently accused the Trump administration of committing murder after one of the attacks killed a Colombian citizen, Alejandro Carranza, who was on a fishing trip when his boat was struck.
The U.S. military actions have drawn condemnation not only from Latin American leaders but also from legal experts in the United States. These experts have criticized the administration for what they describe as an extrajudicial killing spree, pointing out that drug trafficking is typically treated as a criminal matter, not a justification for military force.
The Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR), a U.S.-based think tank, announced the launch of a new initiative to monitor U.S. militarism and intervention in Latin America and the Caribbean. This project will track incidents such as boat strikes, threats against Venezuela and Colombia, and other forms of U.S. involvement in the region under the second Trump administration.
Alexander Main, CEPR’s director of international policy, described the administration’s actions as a “dangerous new escalation” that disregards international law and could have far-reaching consequences beyond the region.
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