Colombian fisherman Alejandro Carranza was killed by US forces in September after they alleged that he had been involved in drug trafficking. Fellow fishers in Santa Marta dispute the US's claim. "They should arrest him first and try him, not attack him immediately," fisherman Eyecenid Pacheco said.

At least 69 people have died in similar operations since the Trump administration's strikes on so-called narcoterrorists began. The attacks have also further strained ties between the United States and Colombia.

The government of Colombia cites a recent joint seizure of 7 tons of cocaine with France as proof of its efforts to fight drug smuggling.