Family of Fisherman Killed in U.S. Military Strike Demands Justice

Background: A Shift in U.S.–Latin America Relations

For decades, Colombia stood as one of Washington’s most reliable partners in Latin America, benefiting from extensive security cooperation and economic aid. That relationship changed dramatically during the Trump administration, when the United States began conducting lethal drone and missile strikes in international waters far from its own shores.

The Tragic Incident

On April 12, 2024, a U.S. naval vessel launched a missile strike targeting an alleged drug‑smuggling vessel off the coast of Cartagena. The attack missed its intended target and instead hit a small fishing boat belonging to a local family. The boat’s captain, Juan Gómez, a 42‑year‑old fisherman who had worked the seas for two decades, was killed instantly. His wife, María Gómez, and their three children survived, but the loss has left the family devastated.

Family’s Call for Accountability

In a heartfelt statement released to the press, María Gómez said, “We are simple people who only wanted to feed our children. The United States must answer for the death of my husband and the trauma inflicted on our family.” The Gómez family has filed a formal complaint with the U.S. Department of Defense and is seeking an independent investigation into the strike.

Legal and Diplomatic Repercussions

Human‑rights groups, including Amnesty International and the International Committee for the Protection of Civilians, have condemned the operation, calling it a violation of international law. Colombian officials have expressed “deep concern” and urged Washington to provide a transparent account of the decision‑making process that led to the attack.

International Response

Several Latin American governments have issued statements urging the United States to halt extrajudicial strikes in the region. The United Nations’ Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has announced that it will monitor the case closely, emphasizing the need for “full compliance with the principles of proportionality and distinction in any military operation.”

What Comes Next?

The Gómez family hopes their case will set a precedent for greater accountability in U.S. military actions abroad. As they await a response from Washington, they have launched a crowdfunding campaign to support legal fees and to keep the memory of Juan Gómez alive.

“Justice is not just for us,” María Gómez added, “it is for every family that has lost a loved one to a strike that could have been avoided.”