American Sanctions Against the President of Colombia
According to China Central Television News, the U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced sanctions against Colombian President Gustavo Petro and the Minister of Interior, Armando Benedetti, citing their involvement in drug trafficking activities.
This sanction adds the two individuals and two other persons to the "List of Specially Designated Nationals," marking a further escalation of tensions between the U.S. government and Colombia.
In addition, the U.S. Department of State announced that it no longer recognizes Colombia's anti-drug efforts and has imposed sanctions on several Colombian officials.
President Petro of Colombia later stated that he would protest the inclusion of himself and his family on the sanctions list by the United States.
On October 22 local time, Colombian President Petro posted on social media that he would sue U.S. President Trump for "defamatory statements" within the U.S. judicial system. Earlier that day, Trump, during an interview at the White House, called Petro a "scoundrel" and accused him of "producing a large amount of drugs." Trump also announced that the U.S. had suspended all aid to Colombia, citing the country's "inaction in combating drug trafficking."
Colombia was a traditional ally of the United States in Latin America, but relations between the two countries have recently become tense. The U.S. has recently attacked several vessels in the Caribbean Sea, including Colombian vessels, under the pretext of "combating drug trafficking." In addition to announcing the suspension of aid, Trump has also threatened to impose tariffs on Colombia.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1846908262156288/
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