Colombia Roundup: US airstrikes dispute, earthquake, investment drop

Colombia’s president condemns US airstrikes in the Caribbean

President Gustavo Petro has denounced recent US airstrikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean as an “act of tyranny,” warning that criminal proceedings could follow if Colombians were among the 17 reported dead. Speaking to the BBC in New York, Petro argued that stopping vessels does not require lethal force and accused Washington of humiliating South Americans. President Donald Trump defended the strikes as necessary to curb fentanyl smuggling, while Democratic lawmakers and UN experts have questioned their legality, calling them possible extrajudicial executions.

US delegation walks out of Petro’s UN speech

The United States delegation left the hall during Petro’s address at the United Nations, where he criticised the Trump administration for decertifying Colombia’s anti-narcotics record and for the Caribbean bombings. The Colombian leader accused Washington of spreading “lies” about drug seizures, stressing that his government extradited over 700 traffickers without resorting to missile strikes. The State Department responded briefly, saying its delegation’s actions “spoke for themselves”.

Peace talks with Clan del Golfo begin in Qatar

Colombia has opened peace negotiations with the Clan del Golfo, a powerful criminal group with roots in paramilitarism. The talks, held in Qatar, focus on disarmament in exchange for judicial benefits. Chief negotiator Álvaro Jiménez said the group’s main income now comes from illegal gold mining and stressed that leaders recognise they are at their “peak” and risk decline. The cartel, with 6,000–7,000 members, has already suffered major setbacks, including the arrest and extradition of former commander “Otoniel” in 2022.

Earthquake shakes Venezuela and Colombia

A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck western Venezuela late Wednesday, September 24, rattling Colombian border cities including Cúcuta and Bucaramanga. The Colombian Geological Service confirmed the epicentre was in Mene Grande, Venezuela. No casualties or damages have been reported, and authorities ruled out tsunami risk for the Colombian coast. Residents across both countries reported alarm, though tremors are common in the region due to tectonic activity.

US investment in Colombia declines

Foreign direct investment (FDI) from the United States into Colombia has fallen for the second year in a row, reflecting strained relations and economic uncertainty. Central Bank figures show US investment dropped 15% in the first half of 2025, from US$2.66 billion to US$2.26 billion. While the United States remains Colombia’s top investor, accounting for 34.5% of inflows, the decline forms part of a broader 15.2% fall in total FDI last year, hitting mining, oil, and manufacturing sectors hardest.