The United States has imposed sanctions on Colombian President Gustavo Petro, his wife, eldest son, and Interior Minister Armando Benedetti. The sanctions follow accusations by the US Treasury and State Department that President Petro has failed to curb drug trafficking, leading to an increase in cocaine production. Colombia has denied the accusations, stating that efforts to combat drug trafficking have been ongoing for decades. The sanctions include restrictions on accessing assets and properties within the US.
Sanctions Imposed
The US Treasury announced sanctions against Colombian President Gustavo Petro, Interior Minister Armando Benedetti, Petro's wife, and his eldest son. These measures include blocking access to any assets or properties they may hold in the United States.
US Accusations and Rationale
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that President Petro has "allowed drug cartels to flourish and refused to stop this activity." Bessent also claimed that since Petro, a former guerrilla, took office, cocaine production in Colombia has "exploded to the highest rate in decades, flooding the United States and poisoning Americans."
The Treasury identified Colombia as the world's leading exporter of cocaine, asserting that this poses a "significant drug threat" to the US. Furthermore, the US State Department announced it would not certify Colombia's counter-narcotics efforts.
Colombian Response
President Petro denied the accusations in a post on X, stating that he has been fighting drug trafficking "for decades" and has assisted the US in reducing its cocaine consumption. He concluded his statement with "A complete paradox - but not one step back, and never on our knees."
Previous Tensions and US Actions
The sanctions follow recent disagreements between Colombia and the US. In recent weeks, the US military has increased its activity in the southern Caribbean, striking vessels in international waters that it has alleged were carrying drugs.
Last week, former US President Trump announced the suspension of payments and subsidies to Colombia. This decision came after President Petro told BBC News in September that airstrikes on alleged drug vessels in the Caribbean constituted an "act of tyranny," and he accused US officials of murdering a Colombian citizen and violating his country's sovereignty.
Precedent for Sanctions
Imposing sanctions on a head of state is a rare, but not unprecedented, action. Leaders of countries such as Russia, North Korea, and Venezuela have previously faced similar sanctions.