Xinhua Agency, Washington/Bogotá, October 24 (Reporters Xu Jianmei and Li Zijian) The U.S. Treasury Department issued a statement on the 24th, announcing sanctions against Colombia President Petro and others. Petro responded on the same day, condemning the US actions and saying that he would never give in.

The U.S. Treasury Department said in a statement that the U.S. Treasury¡¯s Office for Foreign Assets Control, in accordance with anti-drug laws, has imposed sanctions on Petro and his wife, eldest son and Interior Minister Amando Benedetto, and will freeze his assets and related financial services in the United States.

In his statement, U.S. Treasury Secretary Bacante accused Petro of "allowing drug cartels to flourish," causing Colombia's cocaine production to increase and flood into the United States.

Petro then posted on social media, condemning the actions of the US as a "complete paradox". "For decades, (Colombia) has been effectively combating drug trafficking and trying its best to help American society reduce cocaine consumption, but I was sanctioned by the US government." He said that he had hired an American lawyer to defend him, "never taking a step back, let alone kneeling down".

Colombia has been a traditional ally of the United States in Latin America, but relations between the two countries have recently tightened. The United States has recently attacked several ships in the Caribbean, including Colombian ships, in order to "fight drug trafficking."In addition to announcing a suspension of aid, US President Trump has also threatened tariffs on Costa Rica.