US sanctions Colombia president over drugs, amid escalating row with Trump

South China Morning PostCenterEN 1 min read 100% complete by Agence France-PresseOctober 24, 2025 at 11:37 PM

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The United States imposed sanctions on Colombia's President Gustavo Petro, his wife, eldest son, and Interior Minister Armando Benedetti on Friday for failing to curb drug trafficking. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that President Petro has allowed drug cartels to flourish. The move escalates the tension between Petro and US President Donald Trump, who accused each other of violating international law. Colombia's president criticized Trump’s actions as extrajudicial executions following the destruction of 10 vessels and at least 43 deaths in under two months by US forces targeting alleged drug-trafficking boats. Supporters of Petro protested against Trump in Bogota on Friday.

Key Topics & Entities

Gustavo Petro ×4100% Donald Trump ×3100% US ×2100%

Keywords

sanctions 90% drug trafficking 85% colombia president 75% donald trump 70% gustavo petro 70% us-colombia relations 65% extrajudicial executions 60% drug cartels 55% treasury department 45% vessel destruction 40%