The United States has enacted sanctions against Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro, citing his alleged inability to control drug trafficking within the country. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticized Petro’s administration for purportedly allowing drug cartels to thrive, leading to increased cocaine production. In addition to President Petro, sanctions have also been applied to Colombia’s Interior Minister Armando Benedetti, along with Petro’s wife and oldest son. The sanctions restrict their access to US-based assets and properties.
Colombia has historically been a significant ally in the US campaign against drugs, receiving extensive military assistance over the years. However, tensions between the US and Petro have risen since Donald Trump assumed office again. Bessent pointed to a notable surge in cocaine production since Petro, a former guerrilla leader, took office, claiming it has reached the highest levels in decades and has significantly impacted drug supply in the United States.
In conjunction with the sanctions, the US State Department announced it would not certify Colombia’s counter-narcotic efforts. Petro, for his part, has denied these accusations, asserting on social media that he has been actively working against drug trafficking for many years and has contributed to reduced cocaine consumption in the US.
Tensions have escalated recently, with the US military increasing operations in the southern Caribbean to target vessels suspected of transporting drugs. Last week, Trump announced the suspension of financial aid to Colombia, a move that followed Petro’s condemnation of US airstrikes on alleged drug vessels, which he characterized as an infringement on Colombian sovereignty.
While imposing sanctions on a sitting head of state is uncommon, it has been done previously with leaders from countries such as Russia, North Korea, and Venezuela.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crkl2dm2glxo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss