Colombian President Slams US Over 'Drug War' Decertification

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has criticized the US government for adding Colombia to a list of nations not cooperating in the drug war, suggesting US interference in Colombian politics. The US blames Petro for rising cocaine production while offering a waiver of sanctions despite the decertification.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has strongly criticized the United States after Colombia was marked as non-cooperative in the drug war for the first time in 30 years.

Petro accused the US of interfering in Colombian politics, alleging a search for a 'puppet president' with the country approaching its presidential elections next year.

The US decertification, an unprecedented move for a key ally, holds Colombia responsible for failing to curb cocaine production, though the US granted a sanctions waiver to avoid aid cuts.

(With inputs from agencies.)