• Colombian President Gustavo Petro claims a U.S. military strike hit a boat with Colombian citizens.
• The White House counters Petro's assertion, calling it "baseless and reprehensible."
• The strike is part of U.S. operations against alleged drug trafficking in the Caribbean.
• At least 21 people have reportedly been killed in recent U.S. strikes.
• This incident heightens diplomatic tensions between Colombia and the U.S.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro stated that the latest vessel bombed by the U.S. military in the Caribbean was Colombian and had Colombian citizens aboard. He referred to the incident as indicative of a "new war scenario" emerging in the region, expressing concern over the incidents impacting all of Latin America and the Caribbean, according to Reuters and TRT Global.

Petro asserted, "Evidence indicates that the last vessel bombed was Colombian and carried Colombian citizens on board," urging families of the deceased to come forward with information. The White House, however, has firmly rejected these allegations, insisting they are "baseless" and detrimental to the bilateral relationship, as reported by ABC News and South China Morning Post.

The U.S. military has executed several strikes against vessels alleged to be involved in drug trafficking, purportedly resulting in the deaths of 21 individuals across multiple operations since September. The recently targeted vessel reportedly resulted in four fatalities, contributing to rising tensions as critics question the legality and ethics of such military actions, according to CBS News and BBC.

In response to these events, U.S. officials emphasize that the strikes are part of a necessary effort to combat drug trafficking and maintain regional stability. However, Petro's accusations could complicate an already fragile diplomatic relationship, which has seen the U.S. labeling Colombia an "essential strategic partner," while simultaneously grappling with significant policy disagreements, as indicated by The Hill and Latin America Reports.