Criticism from the Colombian leader reignites the diplomatic crisis between Bogotá and Washington, historically allies in the fight against drug trafficking
The president of , accused this Thursday (23) the of committing “extrajudicial executions” in military operations carried out under the order of President Donald Trump against vessels suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean and the Pacific. According to Petro, the attacks, which left 37 people dead, violate international law and represent a disproportionate use of force. “The United States is committing extrajudicial executions. The alleged drug traffickers should be brought to justice and not murdered,” he said during a press conference in Bogotá.
The Colombian leader’s criticisms reignite the diplomatic crisis between Bogotá and Washington, historically allies in the fight against drug trafficking. Since August, the US has launched an unprecedented military mobilization in the region, with destroyers, special forces ships and a submarine — an operation that, according to military sources, hit vessels close to Colombian waters.
Tension increased after Trump removed Colombia from the list of countries allied in the fight against drugs, revoked Petro’s visa and suspended financial aid estimated at more than US$740 million annually. The American president also announced new reprisal tariffs and accused Petro of being a “drug trafficking leader”. Petro refuted the accusations and stated that American actions are part of a geopolitical strategy to “demolish Latin America” and take Venezuela’s oil, in addition to interfering in the 2026 Colombian elections.
“Any land action will be considered an invasion and a breach of national sovereignty”, warned the Colombian president. The White House, through spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt, responded that “there are no signs of de-escalation by Colombia’s distraught leader at this time.” Meanwhile, diplomats from both countries are trying to contain the crisis. The Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed a new meeting with the US chargé d’affaires in Bogotá, John McNamara, describing the dialogue as “frank”, but without concrete progress.
*With information from AFP
