The United States has announced sanctions on Colombian President Gustavo Petro. This move by the Trump administration may deepen the growing tensions between America and its longstanding ally in Latin America. The sanctions were imposed as Trump accused Petro of not taking concrete steps to curb cocaine trafficking from Colombia to the US.
In recent weeks, tensions between Washington and Latin American countries have escalated. The US military has intensified its operations in the South Caribbean region, attacking suspicious ships in international waters, which America claims were carrying drugs. However, no substantial evidence has been provided yet.
Donald Trump Labels Petro as 'Drug Leader'
Gustavo Petro accused the US of 'murdering' innocent people through airstrikes in the Caribbean Sea. In response, Donald Trump called the Colombian president an 'illegal drug leader' and a 'bad guy.' Petro, who only has 10 months left in his presidency, has long opposed these US military actions. He has attempted to end Colombia’s six-decade conflict through peace talks and surrender agreements, yet major success eludes him.
America Will Not Tolerate Drug Trafficking
US Treasury Secretary Scott Basent issued a statement saying, 'Since President Gustavo Petro took office, cocaine production in Colombia has reached its highest levels in decades, flooding the US market with this poison, harming our citizens.' He further stated, 'President Petro has given drug cartels in Colombia plenty of opportunities to thrive and has done nothing to stop it. President Trump has taken a firm stand for America’s security, clearly stating we will not tolerate drug trafficking at any cost.'
Colombia Won't Yield to Pressure
On October 23 at the White House, Trump declared that 'Petro is not only a failed leader but also an illegal drug dealer who has surrendered his country to criminals.' Colombia's government responded by branding the US move as a 'serious diplomatic assault.' President Gustavo Petro stated, 'America's actions are driven by a sense of political vengeance. Colombia will never bow to external pressure. We have fought for peace and justice in our country.'
Additionally, the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the US ambassador to formally express their disagreement with President Trump’s comments, warning that such rhetoric could seriously affect cooperation between the two nations. Latin American countries, like Brazil and Chile, expressed concerns about the increasing US military presence in the Caribbean Sea, emphasizing that a 'diplomatic solution' is the best way to resolve any issue. Meanwhile, Mexico criticized the Trump administration’s decision to deploy the aircraft carrier USS Gerald Ford in the region, calling it a 'unilateral and unbalanced' move.
