Petro orders the suspension of information exchange with the United States after the attacks

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Petro described the attacks ordered by his US counterpart, Donald Trump, as “extrajudicial executions” that led to the sinking of 20 boats and the deaths of at least 76 people.

“All levels of public security intelligence services have been instructed to suspend communications and other interactions with US security agencies,” Petro announced on social media.

The leftist leader has maintained a tense relationship with the United States since the beginning of Trump’s second term in January. Amid diplomatic escalation, Trump this year removed Colombia from the list of countries allied in the fight against drug trafficking, and revoked the visas of Petro and several of his advisers.

The president added that the decision to suspend intelligence exchange with the United States “will remain in effect as long as missile attacks on ships continue.”

The US military incursion into international waters has increased pressure on Venezuela, which sees attacks near its coast as a pretext to oust President Nicolas Maduro, who is not recognized by Washington and other governments after his disputed re-election last year.

CNN reported on Tuesday that the United Kingdom will not share intelligence with the United States about ships suspected of drug smuggling so as not to become an accomplice in these bombings, which, according to sources consulted by the station, are considered illegal. The revelation represents a rupture between two important allies.

Fifty countries issued a joint statement on Sunday rejecting the “use of force” that contravenes international law, without mentioning the United States directly.