Bogota, Colombia – Colombian President Gustavo Petro has announced the suspension of intelligence sharing between Colombian security forces and their United States counterparts. The decision, revealed earlier today, stems from growing concerns over the tactics employed by the U.S. administration, led by President Donald Trump, in its ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the Caribbean.
President Petro stated that the suspension will remain in effect until the U.S. halts its operations targeting suspected drug smuggling vessels in the region. He characterized these operations as “extrajudicial killings” and demanded a reevaluation of the approach to drug interdiction. In a statement released, Petro emphasized the need for all counter-narcotics efforts to be conducted with full respect for human rights, particularly those of the Caribbean populations.
“The Colombian military must immediately cease communications and agreements with U.S. security agencies,” Petro declared, outlining the severity of the diplomatic rift. While the specific details of the intelligence sharing arrangement were not disclosed, the suspension marks a significant departure from years of close collaboration between the two nations in the fight against drug cartels.
According to figures released by the Trump administration, U.S. operations in the Caribbean have resulted in the deaths of at least 75 individuals since August. These operations, initially focused on the southern Caribbean, have recently expanded into the eastern Pacific, targeting vessels off the coast of Mexico.
President Petro has gone further, calling for an investigation into President Trump for alleged “war crimes” related to these strikes. He claims that the operations have impacted citizens from Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia, and Trinidad and Tobago. The Colombian leader’s strong stance signals a potentially significant shift in the regional dynamics of the war on drugs and could lead to a reassessment of international counter-narcotics strategies. DZWatch will continue to monitor this developing situation.
