This comes amid rising tensions following US army strikes concentrating on drug traffickers in Caribbean waters, which Petro condemned as violations of Colombian sovereignty after a fisherman was killed.
On Sunday, US President Donald Trump sharply criticised Colombian President Gustavo Petro, calling him an “unlawful drug chief” and accusing him of encouraging large drug manufacturing throughout Colombia. In a submit on his social media platform Fact Social, Trump declared a right away halt to all large-scale funds and subsidies from america to Colombia. He stated, “The aim of this drug manufacturing is the sale of large quantities of product into america, inflicting dying, destruction, and havoc.”
Trump additional accused Petro of ignoring the drug drawback regardless of US monetary support. “Petro, a low-rated and really unpopular chief, with a recent mouth towards America, higher shut up these killing fields instantly, or america will shut them up for him, and it received’t be accomplished properly,” Trump warned.
Tensions rise amid US drug struggle operations
This newest outburst comes amid heightened tensions between the 2 nations. Earlier on Sunday, President Petro accused the US authorities of assassination following a current American army strike in Caribbean waters that killed a minimum of 29 folks. The US stated the assaults focused drug traffickers, however Petro condemned the strike, calling for solutions and condemning the violation of Colombian sovereignty.
Petro additionally revealed {that a} Colombian fisherman, Alejandro Carranza, was killed throughout a September 16 strike, regardless of having no hyperlinks to drug trafficking. Petro stated Carranza’s boat was malfunctioning and had a misery sign on when it was hit, denouncing the assault as homicide.
US-Colombia relations beneath pressure
Relations between the US and Colombia have been strained in current months. The Trump administration beforehand accused Colombia of failing to cooperate within the drug struggle, however had granted waivers to keep away from slicing support. Colombia stays the world’s largest cocaine exporter, with coca leaf cultivation reaching document ranges final yr, in accordance with the United Nations.
The US State Division just lately revoked Petro’s visa throughout his go to to New York, citing his participation in protests urging American troopers to disobey Trump’s orders. Petro’s outspoken stance and the continuing army strikes have additional deepened diplomatic rifts.
Authorized actions and reactions
Petro has referred to as on Colombia’s lawyer basic to provoke worldwide authorized proceedings towards the US over the strikes. He condemned the US for “invading nationwide territory” and “murdering his kids with bombs.” In the meantime, Colombian authorities have said that the person injured within the current strike will likely be prosecuted for drug trafficking.
The developments spotlight escalating tensions between the US and Colombia as each nations grapple with drug trafficking and sovereignty points.