Tensions between Colombia and the USA have escalated sharply after Colombian President Gustavo Petro labeled US President Donald Trump as “impolite and ignorant” and accused him of doing “to Latin Individuals what Hitler did to the Jews.”The newest flare-up follows Trump’s announcement on Sunday to finish all support to Colombia. In his assertion, he known as Petro, the nation’s first leftist president, an “unlawful drug chief,” information company AFP reported. Trump additionally threatened new tariffs and unspecified measures to “shut up” drug cultivation in Colombia, the world’s main cocaine producer, the place coca cultivation has reportedly elevated by about 70 p.c below Petro’s administration.Colombia has traditionally obtained extra US support than every other South American nation, with $740 million in 2023 alone, half of it earmarked for preventing drug trafficking.The feud between Petro and Trump dates again to January, shortly after the US chief returned to the White Home.Petro criticized Washington for treating undocumented migrants “like criminals” and barred US Air Drive planes transporting deportees from touchdown in Colombia. The dispute led to short-term commerce suspensions and tense backroom negotiations. Petro has additionally beforehand in contrast Trump’s therapy of Latin Individuals to Hitler’s crimes towards Jews, underscoring his sturdy criticism of US insurance policies.Feud over migration, drug coverage and navy cooperation:In June, Petro alleged an extreme-right plot to overthrow him, hinting at involvement from each Colombian and American actors, prompting each international locations to recall their diplomatic envoys. Relations deteriorated additional when Washington decertified Colombia as an ally within the battle towards medicine and Bogota halted arms purchases from its largest navy accomplice.Petro has additionally clashed with the US over his outspoken criticism of Israeli insurance policies and the Gaza battle. In late September, he joined a pro-Palestinian road rally in New York in the course of the UN Common Meeting, urging US troopers to “disobey” Trump’s orders. The State Division known as these actions “incendiary” and revoked Petro’s US visa.Trump ends support, recollects ambassador; Bogota additionally pulls again envoyThe current confrontation started after Petro accused US forces of killing an harmless fisherman in Colombian waters. In response, Trump introduced the tip of support and recalled the American ambassador. Bogota additionally known as again its ambassador, additional straining relations.Inside minister Armando Benedetti described Trump’s menace to forcibly finish drug cultivation as “a menace of invasion or navy motion towards Colombia.”US warships have been deployed off the South American coast since August, conducting strikes towards not less than seven vessels alleged to be operating medicine to the USA. In response to the Trump administration, not less than 32 folks have died in these operations. Petro has accused Trump of homicide and violating Colombia’s sovereignty.In an interview with Univision, Petro mentioned he trusted US democratic establishments to “put science and reality above slander, conceitedness and greed,” including that Trump “doesn’t like free males as a result of he desires to be king.”Relations between the 2 historic allies at the moment are at their lowest level in many years, with tensions fueled by disputes over migration, the battle on medicine and navy cooperation.
