Colombia recalls ambassador to United States amid diplomatic spat

Colombia has recalled its ambassador to the United States following a series of escalating tensions between the two nations. The move came after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to cut off aid and made disparaging comments about Colombian President Gustavo Petro over the weekend.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia announced on Monday that Ambassador Daniel Garcia-Pena had returned to Bogotá to meet with President Petro. Trump had previously referred to Petro as an “illegal drug leader” in a social media post on Sunday, sparking outrage in Colombia.

The dispute has centered largely on U.S. military actions in the Caribbean, where strikes have targeted vessels suspected of transporting drugs, primarily from Venezuela. These operations have resulted in numerous casualties and are widely criticized as violations of both U.S. and international law. President Petro has strongly condemned the attacks, arguing they undermine Colombia’s sovereignty and security.

In his social media message, Trump warned that U.S. aid to Colombia would be suspended unless Petro took stronger measures to address drug trafficking. He also suggested that the U.S. might take direct action against drug production sites, stating, “it won’t be done nicely.”

Colombian Interior Minister Armando Benedetti described Trump’s remarks as a threat of invasion or military intervention. “I can’t imagine closing down some hectares [of drug production sites] unless it’s in that way, unless it’s by invading,” he said, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

On Friday, the U.S. government reported striking a vessel from Colombia, claiming it was operated by a left-wing rebel group involved in drug trafficking. However, no evidence has been provided to support these allegations.

President Petro responded via social media, noting that one of the victims of the attack was a Colombian fisherman named Alejandro Carranza, who had no connection to drug trafficking. He accused U.S. officials of committing murder and violating Colombia’s territorial sovereignty.