Colombia does about-face on ending intel exchange with US
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Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced on Nov 11 that an order had been given to suspend the country's dealings with US security agencies.
PHOTO: AFP
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- Colombia will continue intelligence sharing with the US, Interior Minister Benedetti clarified, despite initial reports suggesting a suspension following President Petro's order.
- Petro's prior announcement followed US strikes on alleged drug boats and personal accusations from ex-President Trump, causing shock among former security officials.
- The intelligence ban was linked to US missile attacks on boats, but will not stop agencies like the FBI and DEA working in Colombia.
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BOGOTA - Colombia said on Nov 13 it would continue sharing intelligence with the United States, claiming reports to the contrary were the result of a “misinterpretation”.
On Nov 11, President Gustavo Petro had said on X that “an order has been given at all levels of the public security force’s intelligence services to suspend communications and other dealings with US security agencies.”
His announcement came amid a diplomatic crisis over American strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats,
On Nov 13, Interior Minister Armando Benedetti insisted “there has been a misinterpretation by the Colombian press and some high government officials.”
On X, he said: “President Petro has never said that the American control agencies FBI, DEA, HSI will stop working in Colombia alongside our intelligence agencies.”
Speaking to AFP, several former security officials expressed shock and anger at Mr Petro’s message on Nov 11, calling it “absurd”.
They raised fears that Mr Petro’s order could not only hinder drug interdiction but also Colombia’s fight against domestic armed groups.
Mr Petro’s announcement followed a months-long, personal spat
Mr Trump has, without providing evidence, accused Mr Petro of being involved in drug trafficking and hit the Colombian leader and his family with financial sanctions.
Mr Petro, for his part, has gone out of his way to criticise Mr Trump’s bombings in the Caribbean and Pacific that have sunk 20 boats and killed at least 76 people.
In his announcement this week, Mr Petro said the ban “will remain in force as long as the missile attacks on boats continue.”
The Trump administration is close to the right-wing opposition in Colombia, which has high hopes of winning legislative and presidential elections in 2026. AFP
