En un año de ataques, 227 lancheros han sido asesinados por EE.UU.

In one year of military operations, 227 fishermen have been killed by the United States in attacks targeting vessels suspected of smuggling drugs in the Caribbean and Pacific regions. The toll was confirmed by Human Rights Watch, which documented the casualties as part of its ongoing investigation into the legality and humanitarian impact of these strikes. The anniversary of the offensive, launched by the U.S. government under the administration of former President Donald Trump, falls today. The campaign has been led by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who framed it as part of a broader effort to combat drug trafficking. The attacks, which began over a year ago, have resulted in the deaths of more than 200 individuals, including civilians. According to reports, the U.S. has conducted 69 such operations during this period. These actions have drawn sharp criticism from international organizations and human rights groups, which argue they violate international humanitarian law. Ida Sawyer, director of crisis, conflicts, and arms at Human Rights Watch, stated that the administration has carried out these killings without accountability, celebrating them publicly while ignoring legal consequences. Recent attacks occurred just days before the anniversary. On August 23 and 25, six people were killed in two separate incidents. Since July, the Southern Command had not announced new strikes, suggesting a possible pause or shift in strategy. However, the U.S. has simultaneously announced plans for a joint force with 18 Latin American countries through the Americas Against Cartels Coalition (A3C). Colombia recently joined the coalition, indicating a potential expansion of military cooperation in the region. This move has raised concerns about increased collaboration between U.S. forces and local authorities. During a recent meeting in Tumaco, Colombian defense minister Jorge Eduardo Mora met with General Francis L. Donovan, commander of the Southern Command. This interaction underscores the growing coordination between U.S. military officials and regional leaders. Such meetings could lead to more frequent joint operations, potentially expanding the scope of U.S. involvement beyond maritime activities. Legal action has also emerged from affected families seeking justice. Relatives of two victims, believed to have died in an October 2025 attack, filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government on January 27, 2026. They seek compensation for their losses. Rishi Samaroo, a 41-year-old man from Trinidad, was reportedly traveling with his friend Chad Joseph when he was killed in an attack off the coast of Venezuela. His family claims he was returning home to care for his sick mother. In Colombia, another family seeks answers after the death of Alejandro Andrés Carranza Medina, who was among those killed in one of the attacks. His relatives have filed a complaint against Pete Hegseth with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. Their case is being handled by attorney Daniel Kovalik, who also represents former president Gustavo Petro in legal matters abroad. Analysts suggest the military campaign is entering a new phase. Adam Isacson, a researcher with the Institute for Policy Studies, noted that the current approach indicates a broader strategy, possibly involving land-based operations. With partners including Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Jamaica, the U.S. is extending its reach in the region. However, the long-term implications of these expanded efforts remain unclear. The situation continues to draw attention from both domestic and international observers. Reports indicate that discussions with experts, including Juan Papier, deputy director for the Americas at Human Rights Watch, have highlighted the complexities and risks associated with these operations. As the campaign evolves, so too does the scrutiny surrounding its legality and impact on civilian populations.