US President Donald Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro traded sharp words on Wednesday. The United States struck a suspected drug-smuggling boat in the Pacific Ocean. Trump called Petro a “thug” and accused him of leading Colombia to ruin through drug trafficking. In response, Petro said, “I will defend myself legally with American lawyers.”

Moreover, Trump announced that the US had cut vital military aid to Colombia. He warned Petro to “watch it.” Earlier, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared a video showing the boat engulfed in flames.

US Officials Describe the Strike

Hegseth confirmed the deaths in a post on X: “There were two narco-terrorists aboard the vessel… Both terrorists were killed and no US forces were harmed.” He added, “Just as Al-Qaeda waged war on our homeland, these cartels are waging war on our border.” He vowed, “There will be no refuge or forgiveness.”

The strike likely occurred in international waters. This attack marks the eighth US counter-narcotics operation, leaving 34 people dead according to US figures. The Pentagon deployed stealth planes and Navy ships, yet it has not released proof that the targets were drug traffickers.

Legal and Regional Implications

Furthermore, the Pentagon told Congress that the US is in “armed conflict” with Latin American drug cartels. It designated them as terrorist organizations and called suspected smugglers “unlawful combatants.” Experts warn that summary killings remain illegal, even if the victims are confirmed traffickers.

As a result, regional tensions flared. Colombia recalled its ambassador to Washington. Meanwhile, Venezuela accused the US of plotting to overthrow President Nicolas Maduro. The origins of the vessels remain unclear. Some were destroyed off Venezuela’s coast. Families report that at least one boat came from Trinidad and Tobago and another from Colombia.

Strained Colombia-US Relations

Colombia remains the world’s top cocaine producer. It has historically partnered with the US to curb production, controlled by cartels, guerrillas, and paramilitary groups. However, relations have worsened under Trump and Petro.

Petro criticized the US, saying, “Slanders that have been thrown at me in the territory of the United States by high-ranking officials.” Yet, he added, “When our help is needed to fight drug trafficking, US society will have it.”