Escalating Tensions: Colombia's Petro Condemns Trump's Anti-Drug Operations and Dismisses US Aid Threats

Colombian president Gustavo Petro intensified his criticism of Donald Trump's anti-drug aerial operations, escalating tensions between the two nations.

Colombia's leftist leader strengthened his condemnation of Trump's anti-narcotics air strikes and dismissed U.S. warnings about freezing millions in aid assistance on Thursday.

In a dispute threatening to damage relations between the long-standing allies, Gustavo Petro declared, "Mr Trump has slandered me and insulted Colombia."

Petro claimed Trump was "carrying out extrajudicial executions" that "violate international law" by targeting suspected drug-trafficking vessels.

According to U.S. government reports, American forces have destroyed nine vessels and killed at least 37 individuals in less than two months.

"The deaths keep increasing like a taxi meter," Petro remarked.

Among the casualties is at least one Colombian, a fisherman whom Petro now acknowledges may have become "intermittently" involved in trafficking to escape poverty.

Colombia has formally requested Washington to stop these operations, angering Trump, who has labeled Petro a "thug" and drug trafficker.

As retaliation, Trump announced termination of hundreds of millions in U.S. aid to Colombia and threatened tariffs on Colombian exports.

If implemented, these cuts would undermine decades of security collaboration aimed at reducing cocaine flow from Colombia, the world's largest producer, to the United States, its largest consumer.

Petro minimized the significance of aid reductions, stating the funds primarily support U.S. non-governmental organizations and purchase American weapons.

"What happens if they take away the aid? In my opinion, nothing," he stated.

The United States provided Colombia with nearly $750 million in assistance in 2023, according to American data.

Concerns are growing among Colombia's allies that withdrawing U.S. funding could jeopardize years of efforts preventing the country from relapsing into conflict.

Despite peace agreements established a decade ago, portions of the country remain under control of guerrillas, cartels, and various armed groups.

The United States and other donors provide military support as well as funding for coca eradication and demobilization initiatives.

Petro - a former guerrilla who will leave office following May elections - has embraced the dispute, which resonates with his core leftist supporters.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt noted Petro's continued criticism Thursday: "I don't think we're seeing a de-escalation from the unhinged leader of Colombia right now."

Petro also criticized Trump's September decision placing Colombia on a list of countries deemed uncooperative in combating narcotics.

Describing it as "an insult," he maintained Colombia was effectively fighting cartels, despite cocaine production and exports reaching unprecedented levels.

"We have been the most effective in cocaine seizures in world history," Petro asserted, suggesting Trump was receiving misinformation from opponents on Colombia's "far right."

He alleged they aimed to influence Colombia's 2026 presidential election, to "strike Colombian progressivism and seize oil wells" in Venezuela.

Trump has indicated preparations for operations against traffickers operating on land, claiming maritime routes are being reduced.

"Any ground aggression is invasion and a rupture of national sovereignty," Petro cautioned.

Behind the scenes, diplomats from both nations have been working to prevent complete deterioration of relations.

On Thursday, several Colombian ministers met with the senior U.S. diplomat in Bogota, for what the Colombian foreign ministry described as a "frank dialogue."

They announced Colombia's ambassador to the United States Daniel Garcia-Pena would return to Washington, after being recalled in protest.