Published: 12:39, October 8, 2025
Colombian president calls for regional unity over US missile strikes in Caribbean
By Xinhua
Colombian President Gustavo Petro addresses supporters during a rally in Ibague, Colombia, Oct 3, 2025. (PHOTO / AP)

BOGOTA - Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Tuesday urged Latin American countries to stand united following US missile strikes on vessels in the Caribbean.

Petro accused White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller of orchestrating the missile strikes based on the "false claim" that Colombia's anti-narcotics strategy had failed.

"They decertified us to hide Colombia's success in drug seizures, to legitimize crime and indiscriminate bombings," Petro wrote on social media platform X.

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"We've proven the opposite," he said, noting that Colombia is set to become the world's largest drug seizer this year, with its annual seizures expected to reach 1,000 tons.

Petro said the US "armed aggression" appeared to signal an intent to justify future invasions in the Caribbean, calling it an irrational response to the drug problem.

"The Caribbean is the sea of freedom," he said. "It's time to unite the entire Caribbean. It cannot be destroyed by lies."

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According to US authorities, the US military has carried out four missile strikes since September in what they describe as international waters of the Caribbean Sea, killing 21 suspected "narco-terrorists."