He Donald Trump government is committing”extrajudicial executions“in its attacks in the Caribbean and the Pacific in which 37 people have died, the President of Colombia, Gustavo Petroduring a press conference in Bogotá.
Washington deployed a flotilla of destroyers, a submarine and ships with special forces in August. Since September 2, it has attacked boats that supposedly transport drugs, and published videos of their burning remains.
In “This type of maneuver, which we believe breaks international law, the United States (…) is committing extrajudicial executions“said President Petro, who asks that the alleged drug traffickers be brought to justice and not murdered.
Washington has recorded nine attacks that have left 37 dead. On Wednesday it announced the first two in the Pacific, and at least one of them occurred near Colombian waters, according to a military source.
(Further: The White House accuses Petro of being ‘unhinged’ and having no desire to lower tensions).
“There is a disproportionate use of force that is punished by international humanitarian law“Petro insisted.
According to the Colombian president, throughout these operations, The United States has violated national waters and in one of those attacks “killer“to a Colombian fisherman.
Trump and Petro entered into a war of words that went up and down in tone in the midst of the worst crisis between two countries that for decades had one of the closest relations in the region.
The American president says that Petro is a “drug trafficking leader“and a”malefactor“.
Donald Trump and Gustavo Petro
EFE
On Wednesday, October 22, he said that he is preparing attacks against drug traffickers who operate by land because, according to him, the flow of drugs to the United States by sea is being reduced.
Has to “be careful because we will take action against him and his country“Trump warned Petro.
(You can read: ‘What happens if they take away our aid?’: Petro minimizes withdrawal of resources from the US).
This week Petro called his ambassador in Washingtonwho on Wednesday expressed concern in an interview with the agency AFP in response to the statements of the American president, which he described as “unacceptable.”
This year, the United States removed Colombia from the list of allied countries against drug trafficking and revoked the visa of Petro and several of its officials. He also announced the end of financial aid to the country, and tariffs, although these measures have not yet materialized..
AFP
