Colombian President Gustavo Petro has criticized the US strikes on alleged cartel vessels in the Caribbean Sea, stating that such actions do not help in stopping drug traffickers. In an interview with NBC News, Petro described US President Donald Trump’s approach as unhelpful, suggesting that it is more focused on intimidation rather than addressing the root issues of drug trafficking.
The US Pentagon recently announced a new operation, dubbed Operation Southern Spear, aimed at combating “narcoterrorists” in the region. This operation comes on the heels of US strikes that have hit at least 20 boats since September, resulting in the deaths of 80 people. Petro questioned the effectiveness of these strikes, noting that they often target “poor boatmen” hired by cartels rather than the drug traffickers themselves. He also suggested that some of the victims may have been ordinary fishermen uninvolved with organized crime.
The Colombian president’s comments come amidst strained relations between Colombia and the US. Last month, the US imposed sanctions on Petro, with President Trump labeling him “a drug leader.” In response, Colombia restricted intelligence-sharing with the US, although it has since clarified that cooperation with US federal agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration and the FBI, will continue.
The situation is further complicated by the involvement of other countries in the region, including Venezuela. The US has accused Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro of aiding cartels in smuggling drugs into the US. As part of Operation Southern Spear, President Trump has been briefed on potential target options in Venezuela.
The conflict highlights the challenges in addressing drug trafficking in the region. While the US has launched military operations aimed at disrupting cartel activities, critics argue that such approaches may not be effective in the long term. The issue is likely to continue to be a point of contention between the US and countries in the region, with implications for international relations and cooperation on security issues.