Last Friday, President Trump authorized a military strike against a vessel linked to a Colombian rebel group accused of drug trafficking, marking a sharp escalation in tensions with Colombian President Gustavo Petro. The operation, conducted by the U.S. Southern Command, targeted a ship allegedly associated with the National Liberation Army (ELN), described by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as an Al Qaeda-like organization.
Trump publicly criticized Petro on Sunday via Truth Social, branding him a “drug leader” who has failed to curb narcotics production despite receiving billions in U.S. funding. The president announced the immediate cessation of all financial aid to Colombia, citing what he called a “long term rip off of America.” Trump’s post warned that further action would follow if Petro did not address the issue, stating, “the United States will close them up for him, and it won’t be done nicely.”
Hegseth confirmed the strike in a statement, claiming the vessel transported “substantial amounts of narcotics” and was crewed by three “narco-terrorists,” all killed in the attack. He described the ELN as a terrorist group threatening U.S. security through drug trafficking. However, Petro denied the allegations, calling the boat a legitimate fishing vessel belonging to a “humble family” and accusing the U.S. of violating Colombian sovereignty.
The conflict intensified after Petro’s controversial remarks at the United Nations, where he criticized Trump and later participated in a pro-Palestinian protest urging American soldiers to defy orders. The U.S. State Department expelled him from the country following the incident.
Colombia has historically received significant U.S. aid for counter-narcotics efforts, though funding has declined in recent years. Trump’s decision to cut payments reflects growing frustration with what he claims is systemic corruption and inaction by Colombian authorities. The strike and subsequent diplomatic fallout signal a deepening rift between the two nations over drug policy and regional security.
