Colombian Fisherman’s Family Files Human Rights Complaint Over Deadly US Boat Strike




The family of Colombian fisherman Alejandro Carranza, killed in a U.S. military boat strike on Sept. 15, has filed a complaint with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights accusing the U.S. government of illegally killing him. The petition claims Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered attacks without knowing who was on the boats. Colombian President Gustavo Petro has also accused the U.S. of murder, insisting Carranza was a harmless fisherman showing distress signals. The incident is part of a wider U.S. strike campaign against alleged drug boats under President Donald Trump, which has killed more than 80 people and drawn bipartisan scrutiny in Congress over legality and possible war crimes — especially amid reports that survivors of an earlier strike were killed in a second attack.




#USNews #Colombia #AlejandroCarranza #BoatStrike #HumanRights #IACHR #PeteHegseth #DonaldTrump #DrugWar #Caribbean #GustavoPetro #WarCrimes #MilitaryStrikes #ABCNews #InternationalLaw

11 US warships and 15,000 troops are now deployed in the Caribbean as tensions with Venezuela keep rising.

Venezuela Bans Airlines That Halted Flights Per US Warning
Washington had warned of increased military activity in the Caribbean amid a deployment to target narcotics operations, which Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro insists is intended to overthrow his government.

Venezuela Bans Airlines That Halted Flights Per US Warning
Washington had warned of increased military activity in the Caribbean amid a deployment to target narcotics operations, which Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro insists is intended to overthrow his government.

Reggae Icon Jimmy Cliff Dead at 81

Legendary Jamaican reggae musician Jimmy Cliff, celebrated for helping take reggae from the Caribbean to global audiences, has died at the age of 81. His wife, Latifa Chambers, announced his passing on Monday, revealing that he died after suffering a seizure followed by pneumonia.

Cliff, known for classics such as “You Can Get It If You Really Want” and “The Harder They Come,” spent more than four decades creating music that blended reggae with folk, soul, ska, and rock influences. His songs often addressed social and political issues, including poverty, injustice, and war.

He rose to international fame with the 1972 film “The Harder They Come,” which he starred in, helping introduce reggae to a global audience and establishing himself as one of the genre’s most influential figures—second only to Bob Marley.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness paid tribute, calling Cliff a “true cultural giant” whose work shaped the global perception of Jamaican culture. He praised Cliff’s music for uplifting people during difficult times and inspiring generations worldwide.

Jimmy Cliff’s legacy as a pioneer, storyteller, and cultural ambassador continues to resonate across the world.

UK suspends some intel sharing with US over boat strike concerns as France says US military operations in Caribbean violate international law
The decision by London marks a significant break from its closest ally and intelligence sharing partner in Washington and highlights the question of US strikes against the suspected drug traffickers in Latin America.

JUST IN: The Federal Government on Sunday expressed deep sympathy and solidarity with Cuba, Jamaica, and Haiti following the catastrophic destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa across the Caribbean

Trump Calls Colombian President Petro ‘Illegal Drug Dealer’, Halts U.S. Aid To South American Country.

Trump accused President Petro of actively encouraging drug production across Colombia, describing the practice as a major threat to the United States.

U.S. President Donald J. Trump, in a social media post on Sunday, referred to Colombian President Gustavo Petro as “an illegal drug dealer” who is “low rated and very unpopular.”

Trump accused President Petro of actively encouraging drug production across Colombia, describing the practice as a major threat to the United States.

Trump claimed that drug cultivation in both large and small fields has become Colombia’s “biggest business by far” and accused Petro of failing to stop it despite significant U.S. financial support.

The president announced that, effective immediately, the United States would no longer make any payments or provide subsidies to Colombia.

“President Gustavo Petro, of Columbia, is an illegal drug leader strongly encouraging the massive production of drugs, in big and small fields, all over Columbia,” Trump wrote.

“It has become the biggest business in Columbia, by far, and Petro does nothing to stop it, despite large scale payments and subsidies from the USA that are nothing more than a long term rip off of America. AS OF TODAY, THESE PAYMENTS, OR ANY OTHER FORM OF PAYMENT, OR SUBSIDIES, WILL NO LONGER BE MADE TO COLUMBIA.”

Trump warned that if the Colombian government did not take immediate action to shut down the drug fields, the United States would intervene directly.

“The purpose of this drug production is the sale of massive amounts of product into the United States, causing death, destruction, and havoc,” he said.

“Petro, a low rated and very unpopular leader, with a fresh mouth toward America, better close up these killing fields immediately, or the United States will close them up for him, and it won't be done nicely.”

Earlier on Sunday, President Petro accused the U.S. government of carrying out an assassination and demanded answers following the latest American strike in Caribbean waters.

The U.S., however, confirmed on Saturday that it was repatriating two survivors of the attack to Colombia and Ecuador.

This marked the sixth U.S. strike in the region since early September, which has reportedly killed at least 29 people. Washington maintains that the strikes are targeting alleged drug traffickers.

US Reportedly Revokes Visa of Colombian President Gustavo Petro Over Pro-Palestinian Protest Remarks

The United States has revoked the visa of Colombian President Gustavo Petro following remarks he made during a pro-Palestinian protest in New York on Friday.

In a post on X, the US State Department said Petro’s “reckless and incendiary actions” prompted the decision. Addressing demonstrators outside the UN headquarters in Manhattan, Petro called for the creation of a global armed force to liberate Palestinians, saying it “must be stronger than the United States.”

He went further by urging American soldiers to defy President Donald Trump’s orders: “Do not point your guns at people. Disobey Trump’s orders. Obey the orders of humanity,” he declared in Spanish.

It was unclear if Petro remained in New York afterward, as his office and Colombia’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The Trump administration has tightened its stance on pro-Palestinian voices even as countries such as France, Britain, Australia, and Canada have formally recognized a Palestinian state, moves that have strained relations with Israel and Washington.

Petro, Colombia’s first leftist president and a strong critic of Israel’s war in Gaza, had earlier accused Trump of being “complicit in genocide” during his UN General Assembly address. He also called for criminal proceedings against the US over missile strikes on boats suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean.

US Strike on Venezuela Drug Boat Raises Legal Questions
A US strike in the Caribbean that killed 11 alleged drug traffickers linked to Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua cartel may have breached international law, experts told BBC Verify.

President Donald Trump said the vessel was carrying drugs to the US, sharing drone footage of the attack on Truth Social. However, US officials have not clarified the legal grounds for the strike.

Legal scholars warn the action may have violated maritime law and the UN Charter, which restricts the use of force in international waters. Critics argue the killings could amount to “extrajudicial arbitrary killings,” stressing that branding suspects as “narco-terrorists” does not automatically make them lawful military targets.

Gbolahan Macjob’s Ireke Breaks Global Records as NIDCOM Boss Abike Dabiri-Erewa Hails Historic Achievement

The Chairman and CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has applauded Nigerian international broadcaster and producer, Gbolahan Macjob, for the record-breaking success of his epic film Ireke: Rise of the Maroons.

In a statement by NIDCOM spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa described the achievement as a remarkable milestone for Nigeria, noting that the production has shattered international records for a Nigerian local language film.

The film, which narrates the untold story of African slave rebellion in the Caribbean, has won global praise for spotlighting African and Nigerian history on the world stage. Beyond diaspora audiences, Ireke has captivated Caribbean communities, British viewers, and international film enthusiasts.

Dabiri-Erewa lauded Macjob’s creativity and impact, emphasizing his Abeokuta roots and career growth — from a Mass Communication graduate of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic to an Emmy-nominated BBC World Service journalist. She praised his continuous contributions to Nigeria’s global image and youth development through training initiatives and donations.

Highlighting the film’s historic feats, Ireke is the first Nigerian local language movie to premiere at Cannes, the Nollywood film with the longest UK screening, and the first to hold simultaneous premieres in London, Lagos, and Abeokuta. It also became the only Nollywood film to stage a press screening before its premiere.

With major screenings lined up in Canada, Ireke continues to cement its place as one of the most internationally celebrated Nigerian films ever.

Today, I welcomed Vice President Francia Márquez of Colombia to the Aso Villa. Her words about returning to “the land of our ancestors” remind us that no ocean can separate a shared heritage.

For centuries, history may have created divisions between Africa and Latin America, but we are committed to fostering new collaboration and building connections across sectors. Our shared history can lead us to a brighter future of mutual prosperity.

VP Kashim Shettima and his team have done an excellent job laying the groundwork for this cooperation. Our business opportunities with Colombia have already been enhanced, and I support every aspect of the agreements reached.

Particularly with Colombia, Nigeria's recent agreement with Brazil can easily be replicated in aviation, and our diplomatic relations can be enhanced. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will accelerate this.

Nigeria brings the energy of a young, skilled population; Colombia brings opportunity and heritage. We must keep collaborating to drive inclusive growth, social justice, and stronger South–South cooperation.

As Africa’s largest democracy, Nigeria will continue to lead in forging these new partnerships with Latin America and the Caribbean.

No ocean is wide enough to divide us any longer.

~ President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Nigeria, St. Kitts and Nevis Strengthen Ties with Partnership on Food Security and Economic Growth

Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening bilateral relations with St. Kitts and Nevis through strategic collaboration on agriculture, food security, and economic diversification.

During a courtesy visit to Abuja by Samal Duggins, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Marine Resources, Small Business & Creative Economy of St. Kitts and Nevis, Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, emphasized the central role of agriculture in achieving sustainable development for both nations and the wider Caribbean region.

The partnership will prioritize:

Capacity building & knowledge transfer

Strengthening local agro-industries

Supplying raw materials

Promoting eco-friendly fertilizers & irrigation technology


Nigeria also pledged to provide nutritious, organically produced food commodities, alongside opening up investment opportunities in agricultural technology.

Sen. Kyari highlighted Nigeria’s vast agricultural capacity, noting that with over 80 million hectares of arable land, agriculture already contributes more than 25% to the nation’s GDP. He further pointed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s increased agricultural investments over the last two years.

Hon. Duggins expressed optimism that the partnership would drive mutual growth, food security, and stronger Afro-Caribbean cooperation, echoing similar initiatives sparked by President Tinubu’s June 2025 visit to St. Lucia, which encouraged greater collaboration between Africa and the Caribbean through agri-commerce and trade.

Saint Lucia PM Faults Opposition Backlash Against Tinubu’s Visit

Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister, Philip Pierre, has criticized the politically motivated backlash against Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to the Caribbean nation. Speaking during his 2025 Emancipation Day address on August 1, Pierre condemned the “vilification and denigration” of Tinubu as a lingering effect of colonial-era self-hate and disrespect toward African leadership.

Pierre highlighted that opposition groups in both Nigeria and Saint Lucia questioned the visit’s timing and cost, especially amid tragedies like the Minna flood in Nigeria. However, he described these criticisms as “shameful and disgraceful,” emphasizing that Tinubu’s visit should have been met with respect.

Affirming Saint Lucia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, Pierre said the government and people of Saint Lucia felt honored by the Nigerian president’s visit.

Emancipation Day in Saint Lucia commemorates the abolition of slavery in the British Caribbean and reflects on racial justice and Pan-African solidarity.

Source: Channels Television

#Tinubu #SaintLucia #AfricanLeadership #PanAfricanism

Nigerian History Would Not Have Been Completed If I Failed 2023 Election’ – Tinubu.

President Bola Tinubu has stated that Nigeria’s history would not have been complete if he had lost the 2023 presidential election.
Tinubu Announces Scholarship Scheme For Caribbean Students In Nigeria
Naija News reports that President Tinubu made this known on Sunday, while speaking in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, at the 8th Day Fidau prayers for the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona.

Tinubu said Nigeria’s history would not have been as complete and rich if he had failed the election.

Paying tributes to Oba Adetona for his role in his political journey and success in the 2023 general elections, Tinubu said the late monarch assured him that he would win the election and secure a re-election.

He praised the late monarch for his wisdom, steadfastness, resoluteness, and encouragement of the June 12 course and democracy.

He said, “Our history would not have been completed, carefully and richly, if I failed the last election.

“I was successful because of your support and the blessing of late Awujale. I came to him, he blessed me.. He said ‘you will win that election and you will win one more time. Go ahead.’

“Today, he is no more. He is gone.”

Tinubu also expressed appreciation to the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, whom he described as “Okanlomo Eleyi of Ogun State” for his role before, during and after the monarch’s burial.

Dignitaries present at the prayers include the Governors of Kwara, Ondo, and Ekiti States, as well as the Deputy Governors of Oyo and Lagos States, and ministers, among others.

Tinubu Ignored as Trump Invites African Leaders to White House.

President Bola Tinubu has been left out of a summit at the White House, where U.S. President Donald Trump is set to host the leaders of Senegal, Mauritania, Liberia, Guinea-Bissau, and Gabon for talks on economic cooperation.

The meeting, scheduled for July 9, is aimed at strengthening commercial ties between the United States and selected African nations.

According to a White House source, President Trump will host the group for a working lunch emphasising that “African countries offer incredible commercial opportunities which benefit both the American people and our African partners”.

This invitation, it is understood, is part of Trump’s broader strategy to shift focus from traditional aid—deemed wasteful—to investment and trade deals under his “America First” agenda.

The summit comes amid a significant tightening of U.S. foreign aid to Africa, redirecting diplomatic efforts toward mutual economic gain.

President Tinubu, meanwhile, is currently on a two-nation diplomatic tour. He arrived in Saint Lucia on June 28, engaging in a state visit that included meetings with the Governor-General and Prime Minister, an address to the joint Parliament, and a working luncheon with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States.

Following his Caribbean engagements, Tinubu is set to travel to Rio de Janeiro on July 6–7 for the 17th BRICS Summit, attending as a “partner country”.

Diddy Found Guilty of Pr+stit¥tion-Related Charge, Cleared of S+x Tr+fficking.

Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has been found guilty of transportation for pr+stit¥tion by a New York jury but cleared of more serious charges including s+x tr+fficking and racketeering conspiracy.

The 55-year-old hip-hop star faced allegations from three women — including his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura — of ab¥se, coercion, k+dnapping, bl+ckmail, and arson. Jurors convicted him only on the charge of transporting individuals across state lines for pr+stit¥tion, which could carry a sentence of up to 20 years in prison.

He was cleared of charges that carried a potential life sentence. Combs was accused of flying Cassie and another woman, known as “Jane”, around the U.S. and the Caribbean, while paying male escorts to perform s+x acts during alleged “freak off” nights involving dr+gs and ab¥se.

Though jurors were shown private video footage and testimony from escorts, hotel staff, and police, they ultimately concluded that while Combs was guilty of enabling pr+stit¥tion, the evidence fell short of s+x tr+fficking.

The courtroom erupted in mixed emotion following the verdict.

Diddy’s family cheered the not guilty decisions on the most serious charges, while he responded with a prayer gesture and hugged his lawyer. Cassie’s lawyer, Douglas Wigdor, praised her courage: “Cassie has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and the f+ght for justice.”

Cassie, who testified just weeks before giving birth, was commended for her strength during the seven-week trial. Combs’ legal team admitted he had a temper, used dr¥gs, and led a promiscuous lifestyle, but insisted all activities were consensual. The case stemmed from a 2023 lawsuit filed by Cassie, settled within 24 hours for $20 million.

Months later, disturbing hotel footage emerged showing Combs a§§aulting her in 2016. He publicly apologized, calling his actions “disg§¥sting.” Once one of hip-hop’s biggest names, Diddy now awaits sentencing and still faces multiple civil lawsuits stemming from similar allegations.

Saint Lucia Confers Honorary Knighthood on President Tinubu.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been conferred with the honorary title of Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (KCOSL) during his official state visit to the Caribbean nation.

The honour was approved by the Governor General of Saint Lucia on the advice of Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, according to a statement released by the Office of the Prime Minister.

“The Government of Saint Lucia is pleased to announce that, acting on the advice of the Prime Minister, the Governor General has conferred the title of Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (KCOSL) upon His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the statement read.

Following the formal investiture, Tinubu will be officially styled: H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, KCOSL (Hon.), President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

The Nigerian President arrived in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, on Saturday, marking the first leg of his two-nation tour of the Caribbean and South America. During the visit, he paid courtesy calls to Prime Minister Pierre and Governor General Cyril Errol Melchiades Charles.

One of the highlights of the trip was President Tinubu’s address to a special joint session of Saint Lucia’s Senate and House of Assembly at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom in Gros Islet. In his speech, he announced the formal establishment of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Saint Lucia, describing it as a “symbolic bridge” to strengthen bilateral ties.

Tinubu also proposed the creation of a Joint Commission or Political Consultation Agreement to enhance cooperation between Nigeria and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

Saint Lucia Confers Knighthood On Tinubu For Promoting Africa-Caribbean Unity

The Governor-General stated that the honour recognises Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to promote Africa-Caribbean cooperation across trade, education, healthcare, climate resilience, and cultural exchange.

Tinubu Embarks On State Visit To Saint Lucia, Attends BRICS In Brazil.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Saturday, June 28, 2025, on a two-nation visit to Saint Lucia and Brazil.
Naija News reports that this was made known in a statement on Friday by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

His first stop is Saint Lucia, where he will pay a state visit as part of efforts to deepen Nigeria’s engagement with Caribbean nations and strengthen South-South cooperation.

At the end of the visit to the island State, President Tinubu will fly to Brazil to participate in the 17th Summit of BRICS in Rio de Janeiro,

During the visit to Saint Lucia, President Tinubu will pay courtesy calls on the Governor-General, His Excellency Cyril Errol Melchiades Charles, and Prime Minister Philip Pierre.

A key highlight of the visit will be President Tinubu’s address to the special joint session of the Senate and the House of Assembly of Saint Lucia at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande, Gros Islet.

The Heads of Government of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, members of the Nigerian community in the country and the Director-General of OECS, Dr Didacus Jules, have been invited to attend the special session.