Colombia has withdrawn its ambassador from Washington after a fierce exchange between President Gustavo Petro and US leader Donald Trump, marking one of the lowest points in decades of partnership between the two countries.
The diplomatic fallout came after Trump accused Petro of being an “illegal drug leader” and announced the suspension of all US aid to Colombia. He also hinted at imposing tariffs on Colombian goods, saying details would follow on Monday.
The announcement coincided with a US military strike on a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in international waters, which killed three people. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the targeted boat was linked to Colombia’s National Liberation Army (ELN).
That attack came just days after another operation on a semi-submersible craft that left two survivors, one identified as Colombian.
Petro denounced the US actions, accusing Trump of “murder” and of disrespecting Colombia’s sovereignty. The two leaders have frequently clashed since Trump returned to the White House in January.
Colombia’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that Ambassador Daniel Garcia Pena had returned to Bogota, adding that Petro’s government would issue more statements later in the day.
Colombia, once Washington’s most trusted partner in the region, received $740 million in aid in 2023, about half directed toward anti-drug operations.
But relations have deteriorated sharply since Washington revoked Colombia’s certification as an ally in the fight against narcotics last month. In response, Bogota halted its arms purchases from the United States.
Petro’s administration has sought to change the country’s approach to narcotics control, focusing on addressing poverty and inequality instead of forced coca eradication.
Under this policy, coca cultivation has increased by around 70 percent, according to government and UN figures.
