Escalating Tensions: U.S. Aid to Colombia Reduced Amidst Disputes with Petro
Recent months have seen a notable decrease in U.S. financial aid to Colombia, falling from over $700 million in previous years to an estimated $230 million in the U.S. budget year ending September 30th, according to U.S. figures. This reduction coincides with a period of escalating friction between Colombian President Gustavo Petro and former U.S. President Donald Trump.
The disputes began earlier this year when Petro initially refused permission for U.S.military flights transporting deported migrants. Trump responded with threats of tariffs. further straining relations, the State Department indicated it would revoke Petro’s U.S. visa following his remarks at the U.N. General Assembly, where he urged American soldiers to disregard orders from Trump.
A key point of contention centers on U.S. military strikes against boats in the Caribbean Sea.petro has publicly accused the U.S. government of assassination, specifically citing a September 16th strike that resulted in the death of a Colombian man, Alejandro Carranza. Petro maintains Carranza was a fisherman whose boat had malfunctioned and that he had no connection to drug trafficking. He described the incident as an “invasion” of Colombian territory and has requested his country’s attorney general initiate legal proceedings both internationally and within U.S. courts.
The White House and Pentagon have not yet publicly responded to Petro’s accusations.
Despite his criticisms, Petro’s government intends to prosecute the Colombian survivor of a separate U.S. strike targeting a submersible allegedly involved in drug trafficking. Another survivor of that incident was repatriated to Ecuador, where authorities have decided not to pursue charges, concluding he did not commit any crimes within Ecuadorian borders.
The U.S. management asserts the strikes are aimed at alleged drug traffickers, with seven such operations occurring since early september resulting in at least 32 fatalities. The National Liberation Army (ELN), identified by some as a target of these strikes, denies involvement in drug trafficking and has proposed international oversight. Colombian authorities continue to report the dismantling of cocaine laboratories and seizures of drugs linked to the ELN.
Trump, responding to Petro’s criticisms on Sunday, characterized the Colombian president as having ”a fresh mouth toward America” and complained about ongoing drug smuggling despite significant U.S. financial support, which he labeled a “long term rip off.” He announced an immediate cessation of all payments and subsidies to Colombia.
Analysts warn of the potential consequences of this deteriorating relationship. Elizabeth Dickinson, a senior analyst at International Crisis Group, described the U.S. approach as ”befuddling and profoundly unwise,” particularly given heightened tensions with Venezuela. She emphasized the past importance of the U.S.-colombia partnership and warned that its erosion could have “catastrophic effects.”
Earlier this year, Colombia already experienced a reduction in U.S. funding due to cuts made by Trump to the U.S. Agency for International Advancement. Further cuts could jeopardize military cooperation and hinder efforts to combat rebel groups, potentially leading to a “strategic loss of capability” for Colombian security forces at a time of increased security challenges.
