US Decertifies Colombia as Ally in War Against Drugs

The United States has formally decertified Colombia as an ally in the fight against drugs, Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced on Monday, September 15, 2025. The decision, which Petro described as a major blow to Colombia, could result in the loss of hundreds of millions of dollars in US military and anti-narcotics support. The announcement comes amid heightened tensions between the two countries over drug policy and ongoing violence linked to drug trafficking.

US Decision and Immediate Impact

According to President Petro, the US move is a direct response to Colombia's failure to curb the cultivation of coca—the raw material for cocaine—and the continued trafficking of the drug to global markets. Petro stated, "The United States is decertifying us after dozens of deaths of police officers and soldiers" in the fight against drug cartels and leftist guerrillas funded by drug trafficking. The decertification is widely seen as a punitive measure by US President Donald Trump, who has intensified efforts against drug cartels, including recent US military actions against suspected Venezuelan drug boats.

Background: Rising Coca Cultivation and Policy Disputes

Since Petro took office in 2022, Colombia has shifted its approach to the drug war, focusing more on addressing the social roots of drug trafficking rather than relying solely on military and law enforcement strategies. However, this period has also seen a sharp increase in coca cultivation—by about 70 percent, according to both Colombian government and United Nations estimates. The government has accused left-wing guerrilla groups, some of which are involved in ongoing peace talks, of exploiting the negotiations to expand their drug operations.

Political Fallout and Security Concerns

The US decertification comes at a time when Colombia's security forces are under severe strain, following a series of deadly attacks by guerrilla groups. The loss of US support could further weaken Colombia's ability to combat these groups and maintain stability in regions affected by drug violence. The move had been anticipated since January, when a public dispute erupted between Petro and Trump over US deportation policies for Colombian migrants.

Regional and International Reactions

The decision is expected to reverberate throughout Latin America, where Colombia has long been a key US partner in anti-narcotics efforts. Analysts warn that the decertification could undermine regional cooperation and embolden drug trafficking organizations. Petro has repeatedly called for a "paradigm shift" in the global war on drugs, arguing that current strategies have failed and that new approaches are needed to address the underlying social and economic drivers of the drug trade.