BOGOTA, Colombia—The Colombian government has formally requested the United States to cease its maritime strikes in the Pacific and Caribbean, which Washington claims are part of an anti-drug smuggling operation. The appeal follows a recent announcement by US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth regarding attacks on two alleged drug-running vessels in the Pacific, resulting in five fatalities. According to US figures, these strikes bring the total number of such operations to at least nine, with 37 casualties reported. Colombia’s foreign ministry issued a statement on Wednesday evening, urging the US to halt these actions and adhere to international law. The statement emphasized the government’s rejection of the destruction of a vessel allegedly linked to drug trafficking in the Pacific Ocean. The diplomatic tension escalated further as Colombian President Gustavo Petro and former US President Donald Trump exchanged heated remarks. Trump labeled Petro a ‘thug’ and accused him of leading Colombia to ruin, while Petro vowed to defend himself legally with American lawyers. The US also announced the suspension of military aid to Colombia, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling Petro a ‘lunatic.’ Colombia reiterated its call for diplomatic dialogue to continue the joint fight against drug trafficking in the region, a collaboration that has spanned decades.