Colombia Halts US Intelligence Sharing Over Caribbean Drug Strike Policy

Colombia has suspended its intelligence cooperation with the United States. President Gustavo Petro ordered the move this week. The decision is a direct response to US military strikes on suspected drug-trafficking vessels.This action marks a severe rupture in a long-standing security partnership. According to Reuters, the rift centers on a US policy that has killed dozens since August.

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President Petro announced the policy shift on social media. He stated Colombia’s military must immediately end communications and other agreements with US security agencies. This suspension will remain until the US ceases its attacks on speedboats in international waters.The US military campaign has intensified in recent months. Official figures from the Trump administration confirm at least 75 people have been killed in these strikes. Operations began in the southern Caribbean and have since shifted to the eastern Pacific.

Broader Impact on Regional Security and Human Rights

The fallout extends beyond intelligence sharing. Petro has previously called for President Trump to be investigated for war crimes. He argues the fight against drugs must be subordinated to human rights.This stance led the US to impose financial sanctions on Petro and his family in October. US officials accused him of allowing drug cartels to flourish. The White House had no immediate comment on the latest intelligence suspension.

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The suspension of intelligence sharing represents a fundamental shift in hemispheric security, directly challenging the US strategy of conducting drug strikes at sea.

Thought you’d like to know

Q1: What specific cooperation has Colombia suspended?

Colombia has halted all intelligence sharing and communications with US security agencies. This includes agreements that were key to joint counter-narcotics operations.

Q2: Why did President Petro take this action?

He ordered the suspension to protest US military strikes on suspected drug boats. Petro condemns these actions as extrajudicial killings that violate human rights.

Q3: How many people have been killed in the US strikes?

According to US government figures, at least 75 people have been killed since August. The strikes target vessels in international waters.

Q4: Has the US responded to Colombia’s decision?

The White House had no immediate public response. This follows US sanctions placed on President Petro and his family in October.

Q5: Where are these US drug strikes happening?

The operations began in the southern Caribbean. They have recently shifted to the eastern Pacific, including waters off Mexico.