Colombian President Urges U.S. to Halt Maritime Drug Interdictions

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has publicly called for the United States to stop its military strikes on suspected drug-trafficking boats in the region. He made the appeal from the Colombian coastal city of Barranquilla. The operations, known as "vessel interdictions," typically involve U.S. forces disabling or sinking boats suspected of transporting illegal drugs. These strikes often occur in international waters near Venezuela and Colombia. President Petro did not specify his reasons for the request in the brief statement. The appeal marks a notable shift in tone toward U.S. counter-narcotics strategy from a key regional partner. CBS News correspondent Lilia Luciano reported the development from Barranquilla, a major port city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast.