Colombian President Petro Calls for End to US Strikes on Drug Vessels

Petro's Stance on US Military Involvement

• 🌎 Colombian President Gustavo Petro is advocating for an end to US military interventions in Latin America and the Caribbean.
• 🗣️ He stated on social media that the "long history of US invasions" must cease to foster a unified "great America" from Alaska to Patagonia.

Context of US Strikes on Drug Boats

• 🚢 Petro's call comes amid scrutiny of US military strikes targeting suspected drug-carrying vessels in the region.
• 🇺🇸 The US has historically provided training and equipment to Colombia for drug surveillance and interdiction efforts.

Colombia's War on Drugs Strategy

• 🚫 President Petro's approach to the war on drugs faces criticism, including the cessation of cocoa crop fumigation and accusations of leniency towards organized crime groups.
• 🧑‍働 He views individuals on drug boats not as terrorists but as "workers," distinguishing them from the "big bosses."

Colombian Navy's Interdiction Efforts

• ⚓ The Colombian Navy continues to actively seize drugs, with one admiral highlighting the seizure of 7 tons of cocaine in a single week, estimated at 20 million doses.
• ⚖️ The Navy states they are operating within the law, surveilling boats, stopping them, and prosecuting those involved, with some facing extradition.
• 💥 The admiral confirmed that their forces will use lethal force only if fired upon by the vessels.