How far is the US willing to go in its conflict with Colombia and Venezuela? | DW News

Key Concepts

• US Military Buildup in South America: Deployment of an aircraft carrier to the region.
• US Strike in the Caribbean: Pentagon's claim of striking a drug-smuggling vessel from Venezuela.
• US Sanctions on Colombian President Gustavo Petro: Accusations of failing to curb illegal drug trafficking.
• "Total Peace Plan" (Paz Total): President Petro's initiative to negotiate peace with armed groups.
• 2016 Peace Agreement: Agreement with FARC guerrillas.
• Drug Trafficking: Central issue in US-Colombia relations.
• Cocaine Seizures: Colombia's reported confiscation of 1,700 tons of cocaine.

US Military Actions and Sanctions

The United States is increasing its military presence in South America, evidenced by the deployment of an aircraft carrier to the region. This action follows a recent Pentagon strike in the Caribbean, where six individuals were killed. The US claims the targeted vessel was engaged in drug smuggling from Venezuela. However, critics argue that Washington has not provided a legal justification for these operations.

In parallel, the Trump administration has imposed sanctions on Colombian President Gustavo Petro. The US government accuses Petro of insufficient action against illegal drug trafficking. These sanctions extend to his family and a government official. President Trump had previously characterized Petro as an "illegal drug leader."

President Petro's Reaction and Political Stance

DW correspondent Felipe Abodano reported from Medellín, Colombia, on President Gustavo Petro's response to the US sanctions. Petro has publicly stated that he will "not bend the knee to the United States." He has rallied his supporters, who gathered in Plaza Bolívar in Bogotá, demonstrating his current political strength. Petro views this public display as a way to chart a course for Colombia that will not yield to threats from the United States or Donald Trump.

Colombia's Efforts Against Drug Trafficking

Despite the US accusations, the Colombian government, under President Petro, has highlighted its efforts in combating drug trafficking. Petro's administration claims to have captured or confiscated 1,700 tons of cocaine destined for the United States. This significant seizure leads the Colombian government to believe that the US sanctions are unfair.

The "Total Peace Plan" and its Challenges

A key point of contention between the US and Colombia is President Petro's "Total Peace Plan" (Paz Total). The US is reportedly dissatisfied with this initiative. The plan aims to build upon the 2016 peace agreement with the FARC guerrillas. Upon taking office, Petro sought to extend peace negotiations to other armed groups operating within Colombia.

However, these groups have reportedly grown in strength, particularly in areas previously controlled by the FARC, due to the latter's diminished power following the 2016 agreement. The peace agreement has not effectively established government control in these territories, allowing these armed groups to reassert their influence and challenge the government.

The "Total Peace Plan" has not yet achieved its intended objectives, with success limited to an agreement with a local armed group in southern Colombia. The underlying issue for these groups' continued presence and power is their control over drug-dealing operations, specifically the cultivation of coca leaves.

Conclusion

The situation highlights a significant diplomatic and political tension between the United States and Colombia, primarily driven by differing perspectives on drug trafficking control and peace negotiation strategies. While the US escalates military presence and imposes sanctions, Colombia asserts its efforts in drug interdiction and pursues a comprehensive peace initiative that faces considerable challenges and international scrutiny.