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U.S. Halts Aid To Colombia Amid Sharp Drug Accusations
The United States announced it will stop aid to Colombia after President Donald Trump accused his Colombian counterpart, Gustavo Petro, of being an “illegal drug leader” and of failing to curb narcotics production. The remarks were made via Mr. Trump’s social-media platform and accompanied a declaration that U.S. payments and subsidies to Colombia will “no longer be made.”
Colombia rejects accusations
Colombia’s government rejected the accusations, calling them a violation of national sovereignty and defending its efforts in anti-drug operations. Earlier, the U.S. had placed Colombia on a “failed demonstrably” list for counternarcotics cooperation, marking a significant shift in a decades-long alliance.
Military action adds tension
The diplomatic rift deepened when the U.S. military announced a strike on a vessel it said was linked to Colombia’s rebel group. Colombian officials denied the target’s connection to insurgents and accused the U.S. of killing a civilian.
Analysts warn of consequences
Analysts say the abrupt aid suspension, if it proceeds, could undermine Colombia’s security programmes, many of which depend on U.S. support built up since the early 2000s. While no full list of cancelled aid has been released, the move signals a hardening U.S. stance on drug-trafficking policies in Latin America.
