Escalating Conflict Between Trump and Colombia's President Over US Anti-Drug Operations

A fierce verbal exchange erupted on Wednesday between Donald Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro amid escalating tensions over drug trafficking operations.

The heated confrontation began as Trump labeled Petro a "thug" and implied he was involved in drug trafficking activities that were leading Colombia toward destruction. In response, the Colombian leader declared, "I will defend myself legally with American lawyers."

Trump announced that critical military support to Colombia had been suspended and issued a warning to Petro to "watch it." This exchange came shortly after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared footage on social media showing a vessel consumed by flames.

Hegseth stated, "There were two narco-terrorists aboard the vessel... Both terrorists were killed and no US forces were harmed." He added, "Just as Al-Qaeda waged war on our homeland, these cartels are waging war on our border," promising "no refuge or forgiveness."

This maritime strike, reportedly conducted in international waters, represents at least the eighth such American attack, resulting in a total of 34 fatalities according to US statistics.

As part of its counter-narcotics initiatives, the United States has deployed stealth aircraft and naval vessels, though it has not yet provided evidence confirming its targets were drug smugglers.

The Pentagon has informed Congress that the United States is engaged in an "armed conflict" with Latin American drug cartels, classifying them as terrorist organizations and referring to suspected smugglers as "unlawful combatants."

Experts have criticized these summary killings as illegal, even when targeting confirmed traffickers.

Diplomatic relations in the region have deteriorated, with Colombia recalling its ambassador to Washington and Venezuela accusing the United States of conspiring to overthrow President Nicolas Maduro.

The origins of the targeted vessels—seven boats and one semi-submersible—remain undisclosed, although some were destroyed near Venezuela's coastline. Families of victims from Trinidad and Tobago and Colombia have confirmed to AFP that at least two vessels originated from those nations.

Colombia maintains its position as the world's leading cocaine producer, but has historically collaborated with the United States to reduce production, which is managed by various well-funded paramilitary groups, cartels, and guerrilla organizations.

However, diplomatic relations have significantly deteriorated since Trump and Petro assumed leadership in their respective countries.

On Wednesday, Petro condemned the "slanders that have been thrown at me in the territory of the United States by high-ranking officials," while affirming, "When our help is needed to fight drug trafficking, US society will have it."