In a recent interview, Colombian President Gustavo Petro alleged that the Trump administration’s pressure on Venezuela is driven by a desire to access the country’s oil reserves rather than combat drug trafficking. Petro stated that Venezuela is not a major drug producer, emphasizing that the U.S.’s focus on the country is likely rooted in oil interests. He also criticized the U.S.’s actions as imperialistic, comparing them to past interventions. The U.S. State Department responded by reaffirming its commitment to counter-drug operations, while Colombia has faced sanctions and accusations related to the drug trade, which Petro denies.
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Colombian Navy divers discovered a significant cocaine seizure beneath a ship destined for Europe. During an underwater inspection, they found seven sealed bags containing over 450 pounds of suspected cocaine. This operation follows a recent confiscation of over seven tons of drugs from other vessels in the Pacific Ocean. The U.S. has placed sanctions on Colombian President Gustavo Petro, criticizing his handling of drug cartels, while Petro maintains the U.S. strikes on suspected drug boats have resulted in civilian casualties.
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BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Colombian President Gustavo Petro has ordered the nation’s security forces to halt intelligence sharing with the United States until the U.S. ceases its attacks on suspected drug traffickers in the Caribbean, actions that critics liken to extrajudicial executions. Petro’s decision comes amidst deteriorating relations, following the U.S. strikes that have resulted in numerous deaths and targeted vessels near several South American nations. The Trump administration has countered these claims by accusing Petro of being soft on traffickers and imposed financial sanctions on him and his family. Meanwhile, the U.S. is increasing its naval presence in the Caribbean, raising concerns from Venezuela, which views this buildup as a threat to its sovereignty.
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In a recent statement, former President Donald Trump announced the cessation of funding and all other payments to Colombia. This decision follows accusations from Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who claimed the U.S. was responsible for killing a Colombian national during a drug-trafficking operation. Trump, in response, labeled Petro an “illegal drug dealer” and accused him of supporting drug production despite U.S. financial aid. The dispute centers on a U.S. military strike on a vessel near Colombia, which Petro alleges resulted in the death of a Colombian fisherman.
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President Donald Trump announced the end of US subsidies to Colombia, citing President Gustavo Petro as a “drug leader” who encourages drug production. This decision comes after Petro accused the US of “murder” for a military strike on a Colombian boat in September, further escalating tensions. Trump’s actions follow the US’s declaration that Colombia failed to uphold its drug trafficking promises, although a waiver allowed aid to continue. This move is part of a broader pattern, as the US military continues striking ships in the Caribbean Sea allegedly carrying drugs, resulting in casualties and sparking criticism.
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Colombian President Gustavo Petro has accused the US of “murder” and violating Colombian sovereignty after a US strike on a boat in Colombian waters, resulting in the death of a fisherman. The incident, which occurred in September, allegedly involved a boat that was adrift with a distress signal up due to engine failure. Petro has demanded explanations from the US government, while former US President Donald Trump claims the strikes target drug-carrying vessels. This attack is at least the sixth US strike on ships in the Caribbean Sea in recent weeks, drawing criticism from UN human rights experts who have labeled the attacks “extrajudicial executions”.
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Colombian President Gustavo Petro has claimed a recent US bombing in the Caribbean targeted a boat carrying Colombian citizens, an assertion the White House has dismissed as baseless. The US has conducted at least four strikes in the region since September, targeting vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking and killing 21 people. The strikes, which the US categorizes as part of a “non-international armed conflict,” have sparked international condemnation and a rejected Senate measure that would have limited the former president’s use of military force. The Colombian president views the strikes as a new escalation of conflict in the Caribbean.
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Colombian President Gustavo Petro expressed concern over a recent U.S. strike, stating there are “hints” the targeted vessel was Colombian and contained Colombian citizens. He agreed with Senator Adam Schiff’s criticism of the strikes, asserting they are illegal and risk escalating conflict. Petro further claimed the attack represents a new war front in the Caribbean, with the real goal being control of oil resources, not combating smuggling. He criticized the U.S. actions as an attempt to seize Venezuelan and Guyanese oil, comparing the situation to events in Gaza.
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Following President Petro’s criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, the US revoked his visa, prompting a strong response from the Colombian leader. Petro condemned the move, arguing that the US was violating international law by punishing his denouncement of alleged genocide. Colombia’s foreign affairs ministry echoed these sentiments, criticizing the use of visa revocation as a diplomatic tool and the UN should find a neutral host country. This action marks a further deterioration in relations between Colombia and the United States, which have been strained by various disagreements, including Petro’s earlier actions blocking deportation flights and accusing US officials of coup plotting.
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The US State Department revoked Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s visa following his remarks at a protest in New York City, where he urged US soldiers to disobey orders, and after he criticized former US President Donald Trump at the UN General Assembly. The State Department cited Petro’s “reckless and incendiary actions,” alleging he incited violence. Petro condemned the move, asserting it violated the immunity afforded to heads of state during UN proceedings, and questioned the US’s compliance with international law. Experts and officials also criticized the decision, with some suggesting it undermines the UN’s viability and potentially violates the 1947 Headquarters Agreement.
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John Q. Hosedrinker