Overview
- President Gustavo Petro ordered security agencies to suspend communications with U.S. counterparts until missile attacks on fast boats in the Caribbean cease, citing sovereignty and alleged targeting of him and his family.
- Security experts and former officials warned the break could leave U.S. operations “flying blind” and strengthen criminal groups, with some Colombian military sources noting the practical scope of the order remains unclear.
- U.S. forces have carried out lethal actions against vessels in international waters since August, with reports of at least 75 deaths and an expanded naval deployment that includes warships and aircraft.
- Colombia carried out its most lethal airstrike of Petro’s presidency on November 10 in Guaviare, killing 19 FARC dissidents linked to Iván Mordisco, capturing three people and rescuing three minors, after commanders cited an imminent threat to troops.
- Bilateral ties have frayed further after Washington revoked Colombia’s antinarcotics ally certification and imposed financial sanctions on Petro and members of his family in October.