U.S. Navy Destroys Suspected Drug Submarine Off Colombia Coast Amidst trump’s Accusations Against President Petro
BOGOTÁ, Colombia – The U.S. Navy intercepted and destroyed a suspected drug submarine in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Colombia, according to a statement released by U.S.Southern Command on February 29, 2024. This action occurred as former President Donald Trump publicly and without evidence labeled Colombian President Gustavo Petro a “drug dealer,” escalating tensions between the two countries and reviving a long history of U.S. intervention in Latin America.
The incident underscores a pattern of U.S. military and law enforcement activity in the region, often framed as part of the “war on drugs,” but viewed by many in Latin america as a continuation of decades of imperialist meddling. As the monroe Doctrine of 1823, the U.S. has been involved in over 100 attacks, invasions, occupations, and interventions throughout Latin America. This latest event,coupled with trump’s unsubstantiated claims,raises concerns about potential further escalation and the future of U.S.-Colombia relations.
According to U.S. Southern Command, the submarine was detected during a routine patrol by a U.S. Navy ship. After intercepting the vessel,the crew determined it was carrying a substantial amount of narcotics and destroyed it,preventing the drugs from reaching the United States. The exact quantity and type of drugs have not been disclosed.
Trump’s accusations against President Petro were made during a rally in south Carolina on February 24, 2024.He alleged, without providing any supporting evidence, that Petro is involved in the drug trade. These claims were widely condemned by Colombian officials and international observers. President Petro has consistently advocated for a shift away from customary U.S. drug policies, favoring a focus on harm reduction and addressing the root causes of drug trafficking.
Venezuela, another nation frequently targeted by U.S. intervention, has also experienced over a century of Washington’s involvement in its internal affairs. Currently, a U.S. naval fleet is positioned off the Venezuelan coast, fueling anxieties about potential regime change efforts. The combination of military deployments and inflammatory rhetoric from figures like Trump adds to a volatile situation in the region, raising the specter of further conflict.
