President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the United States will cease financial aid to Colombia, accusing President Gustavo Petro of failing to combat drug production. Trump made the statement on his Truth Social platform, labeling Petro as an "illegal drug dealer" and claiming he is "strongly encouraging the massive production of drugs" in the country.

"AS OF TODAY, THESE PAYMENTS, OR ANY OTHER FORM OF PAYMENT, OR SUBSIDIES, WILL NO LONGER BE MADE TO COLUMBIA," Trump wrote, misspelling the country's name. He criticized Petro for not taking action against drug production despite receiving substantial U.S. support.

This announcement marks a significant shift in U.S.-Colombia relations, which have historically been strong, particularly in the fight against drugs. Last month, the U.S. government decertified Colombia as a partner in this effort, citing a lack of cooperation from Petro's administration.

In September, the Trump administration accused Colombia of failing to curb cocaine production, which has reportedly surged to record levels under Petro's leadership. The United Nations has indicated that coca cultivation, the raw material for cocaine, increased by approximately 70% during his tenure.

In response to Trump's comments, Petro has been vocal about his discontent. He accused the U.S. of committing acts of assassination following recent military strikes in Caribbean waters that resulted in multiple fatalities. Petro claimed that a Colombian fisherman, Alejandro Carranza, was killed in one of these strikes and demanded accountability from the U.S. government.

"U.S. government officials have committed murder and violated our sovereignty in territorial waters," Petro stated. He described the incident, asserting that Carranza's boat was malfunctioning and had a distress signal when it was attacked.

The U.S. has conducted several strikes targeting alleged drug traffickers, with at least 29 reported deaths since early September. Following these events, the State Department announced it would revoke Petro's U.S. visa due to his participation in a protest at the U.N. General Assembly, where he urged American soldiers to disobey Trump's orders.

Petro has called for a reevaluation of global drug policies, arguing that current strategies have failed. He stated, "The world needs to change its anti-drug policy because it has failed."

As tensions rise between the two nations, Colombia's government has halted arms purchases from the U.S., its primary military ally. The situation remains fluid as both leaders navigate the complexities of their countries' relationship amid ongoing drug-related challenges.