The message from Washington DC on Friday was part of the US government's escalation in the conflict with several countries in South America in recent times. The reason is the production and smuggling of narcotics from mainly Colombia and Venezuela, according to the USA.
"President Petro has allowed drug cartels to flourish and opposed stopping their actions," announced the US Finance Minister Scott Bessent in a statement.
In addition to Petro, sanctions are also directed against his wife and son.
President Petro responded on social platforms by using a phrase often used by rebel movements in Latin America; to never give in.
Colombia's Interior Minister Armando Benedetti has also been placed on the US sanctions list. He responded with another phrase previously used by critics who accused the USA of imperialism
"Gringos go home", wrote Benedetti on social platforms and used a nickname for American citizens.
Thus, the conflict escalates between the two countries, where Trump previously announced that they will, among other things, freeze American aid to Colombia.
In the statement from the US Finance Department, which is the authority responsible for sanctions, the measure is intended to defend American security:
"President (Donald) Trump takes tough measures to defend our nation and make it clear that he does not tolerate the smuggling of narcotics into our nation", writes Bessent.
