The United States sanctions Colombian President Petro on drug trafficking

On Friday, October 24, the United States announced sanctions against Colombian President Petro, accusing him of allowing cocaine to flow into the United States and failing to curb drug trafficking. This move marks a new low in U.S.-Colombian relations.

According to Reuters, U.S. Treasury Secretary Bensons said in a statement on Friday that since Petro took office, Colombia's cocaine production has surged to the highest level in decades, stating that "a large amount of drugs are flowing into the United States, endangering the American people."

Bensons pointed out that Petro "has allowed drug cartels to grow strong and refused to stop them." He said that President Trump is taking strong actions to protect national security and showing that "the United States will not tolerate drugs entering its territory."

According to a statement from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, these sanctions target not only President Petro himself, but also his wife, son, and Colombian Interior Minister Benedetti. The U.S. government implemented this measure under the Global Drug Trafficking Sanctions Act.

Petro strongly refutes, calling the U.S. "contradictory"

Petro later responded on the social platform X, emphasizing that he has been committed to combating drug trafficking for decades, and accused the U.S. decision of being "absurd and contradictory."

U.S.-Colombian relations deteriorate, Trump threatens to impose tariffs

Since Trump returned to the White House in January this year, U.S.-Colombian relations have repeatedly experienced friction. The two leaders have frequently clashed in public, and tensions have escalated.

Recently, the U.S. launched air strikes against ships suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean Sea, including several Colombian vessels. Last weekend, Trump also threatened to increase tariffs on Colombia and announced on Wednesday the suspension of aid funds to Colombia this week.

Colombia has long been a traditional ally of the United States in Latin America. The Petro government originally promised to stabilize coca cultivation areas through social and military measures, but so far the results have been limited.

Rare sanction against a head of state

The United States rarely imposes sanctions on sitting heads of state. With this decision taking effect, Petro becomes the latest sitting head of state to be placed on the U.S. sanctions list, following leaders from Russia, Venezuela, and North Korea.

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1846923580130368/

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