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Newly-promoted Sunderland stun Chelsea 2–1 at Stamford Bridge

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Newly-promoted Sunderland stun Chelsea 2–1 at Stamford Bridge

LONDON (BN24)— Sunderland pulled off a remarkable 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, climbing to second place in the Premier League. The newly-promoted Black Cats, in their first season back in England’s top-flight, produced a gritty performance that left the Chelsea faithful stunned and sent shockwaves through the league.

Chelsea, coming off a strong start to the season, dominated possession early in the match. Their efforts were rewarded in the fifth minute when Alejandro Garnacho broke the deadlock with a clinical strike. A well-weighted pass from Pedro Neto sliced through the Sunderland defense, finding Garnacho, who calmly slotted the ball past Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs.

The Blues continued to press, and Marc Cucurella and Moisés Caicedo both went close to doubling Chelsea’s lead. Despite their dominance, Sunderland weathered the storm, showing remarkable resilience under pressure. The Black Cats gradually found their footing, and in the 22nd minute, they seized an opportunity to equalize.

A scrappy corner kick caused chaos in the Chelsea penalty area. Wilson Isidor reacted quickest to the loose ball, stabbing it home from close range to level the score at 1-1. It was a scrappy goal, but it shifted the momentum in Sunderland’s favor, and the visitors grew in confidence.

From that point forward, Chelsea continued to control possession, but Sunderland’s defensive shape frustrated the hosts. At times, all 11 Sunderland players were packed into a 30-yard zone in front of their own goal, denying Chelsea the space to carve out clear-cut chances. Chelsea pushed forward, but their attempts were repeatedly thwarted by Sunderland’s disciplined defense.

“We knew Chelsea was going to dominate possession,” Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris said after the match. “But our players showed incredible patience and determination. We defended as a unit, and when the moment came, we took our chance.”

Despite several chances for Chelsea in the second half, including a deflected shot from young winger Estevão Willian and a strong save by Roefs from Enzo Fernández, the Blues could not break down Sunderland’s resolute defense. The match seemed to be heading for a 1-1 draw, but in the dying moments, Sunderland delivered a dramatic and well-executed counter-attack.

In the 90+3rd minute, with Chelsea committing men forward in search of a winner, Sunderland launched a swift break. Brian Brobbey, who had been a constant threat on the counter, held off his marker and played a perfectly timed pass to Chemsdine Talbi. The midfielder made no mistake, slotting the ball past Chelsea keeper Robert Sánchez into the bottom corner, sending Sunderland’s supporters into wild celebration.

“It was a great team goal,” said Le Bris. “We waited for our moment, and when it came, we executed it perfectly. The players were incredible today.”

The victory marked a historic achievement for Sunderland, who not only secured their first league win at Stamford Bridge since 2014 but also ended a 14-year winless streak at Chelsea’s home ground. The last time Sunderland won at Stamford Bridge was on April 19, 2014, when they triumphed 2-1, with goals from Connor Wickham and Fabio Borini.

Saturday’s win is also significant for the Premier League standings. Sunderland’s three points lifted them to second place, just two points behind Arsenal, who have a game in hand. The result is a testament to Sunderland’s impressive start to the season, and it firmly places them in the conversation as one of the league’s early surprise packages.

For Chelsea, the loss was a bitter blow. Despite dominating large parts of the game, they were undone by a lack of precision in the final third and a lapse in concentration late on. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca admitted that Sunderland’s defensive discipline was difficult to break down.

“We couldn’t find a way through,” Maresca said. “We had control of the game, but Sunderland were very compact, and their defending was excellent. It’s disappointing to lose in that manner, but we have to move on.”

The defeat leaves Chelsea in mid-table, with the team now needing to regroup ahead of their upcoming Carabao Cup clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers and a crucial Premier League London derby against Tottenham Hotspur next weekend.

As for Sunderland, the victory at Stamford Bridge has proven that their promotion to the Premier League is no fluke. Manager Le Bris has instilled a sense of belief and discipline in his team, and they are proving to be a formidable force.

“This win is about more than just the three points,” Le Bris said. “It shows that we belong at this level. The players showed incredible character, and I’m incredibly proud of them.”

For the Black Cats, the journey back to the Premier League has been a memorable one. But with this win, they have now set their sights on further challenges, determined to make their mark in the English top-flight.

Achraf Hakimi’s brace powers PSG to 3-0 victory at Brest, moving top of Ligue 1

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Achraf Hakimi’s brace powers PSG to 3-0 victory at Brest, moving top of Ligue 1

BREST, France (BN24) — Achraf Hakimi showcased his attacking prowess once again on Saturday, scoring twice as Paris Saint-Germain triumphed 3-0 at Brest, taking them two points clear of Marseille at the top of Ligue 1.

The Moroccan full-back, renowned for his attacking contributions as well as his solid defensive performances, played a key role in PSG’s dominant display. After a resounding 7-2 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League earlier in the week, PSG continued their impressive form with a commanding performance in domestic competition.

Hakimi opened the scoring in the 29th minute with a well-executed right-footed volley following a clever pass from Vitinha. The ball was floated over the Brest defense, and Hakimi made no mistake in finishing it past goalkeeper Marco Bizot to give PSG the lead. It was his first Ligue 1 goal of the season and his third brace in the French top flight, adding to his growing reputation as one of the most attacking right-backs in Europe.

Just 10 minutes later, Hakimi doubled PSG’s advantage with a powerful strike from close range. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who had been a constant threat, created havoc in the Brest defense before feeding the ball to Hakimi, who finished emphatically from a tight angle.

While PSG controlled much of the match, Brest did have their moments. The hosts were awarded a penalty in the second half when Romain Del Castillo was fouled inside the box. However, Del Castillo’s effort was wayward, as he slipped and sent the ball over the bar, a golden opportunity wasted.

As the match wore on, PSG continued to press for more goals. In added time, Desire Doué sealed the victory for the defending champions, tapping in after hitting the post moments earlier. Doué’s goal ensured that PSG returned to winning ways after two consecutive draws in the league.

With the win, PSG now sits two points ahead of Marseille in Ligue 1, although the latter could reclaim the top spot with a victory over Lens later on Saturday.

For Brest, the defeat marked their fourth loss in nine league matches. Despite their struggles, the team showed moments of promise but were ultimately undone by PSG’s clinical finishing.

PSG’s victory served as a timely reminder of their strength, both in attack and defense. With Hakimi leading the charge, the capital club looks set to maintain its challenge for another Ligue 1 title this season.

Manchester United beats Brighton 4-2 in EPL thriller

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Manchester United beats Brighton 4-2 in EPL thriller

MANCHESTER, England (BN24) — Manchester United’s recent struggles appear to be behind them, for now at least, after a thrilling 4-2 win over Brighton on Saturday. The victory, which extended United’s winning streak to three matches, lifted them into the top five of the Premier League table, bringing a renewed sense of optimism to Old Trafford.

This win was significant for United, as it marked their first three-game Premier League winning streak since February 2024. It also ended Brighton’s three-year run of victories in this fixture, a streak that had added to the pressure on United manager Ruben Amorim following a challenging start to his tenure.

The match had its nervy moments, particularly when Brighton mounted a late comeback attempt, but United ultimately saw out the win, ensuring their momentum continues. Despite a rocky start to the season, including a woeful campaign last year that saw them finish outside the Champions League places, United’s recent form is a sign of progress under Amorim.

“I think we’re heading in the right direction,” Amorim said after the match. “The players have shown belief, and we’re starting to build something. But there’s still a lot of work to be done.”

The match got off to a strong start for United, with summer signing Matheus Cunha playing a key role in breaking the deadlock. In the 24th minute, Cunha curled a stunning shot from outside the box, giving United a 1-0 lead. It was the Brazilian forward’s first goal for the club and provided an early boost for the home team.

Casemiro doubled United’s advantage just before the break with a deflected shot, which wrong-footed Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and found the back of the net. That 2-0 lead was a much-needed cushion for United, but the second half saw Brighton fight back fiercely.

Bryan Mbeumo, who has been in fine form for United, scored twice in the second half to secure the victory. His first came in the 55th minute when he finished off a brilliant team move. Mbeumo’s second goal, however, was a key moment in the match as it came in the 82nd minute, following a tense period when Brighton seemed poised to make a comeback.

Brighton had given themselves hope when former United player Danny Welbeck scored a stunning free-kick in the 69th minute, curling it into the top corner to pull one back for the visitors. The atmosphere inside Old Trafford grew tense when substitute Charalampos Kostoulas headed in another goal for Brighton in injury time, making it 3-2 and setting the stage for a nerve-wracking finale.

But Mbeumo’s second goal in the 87th minute sealed the win for United, ensuring the three points remained at Old Trafford. The result is a massive boost for Amorim, whose side now sits just outside the top four in the league, with a growing sense of momentum following two strong wins.

“We showed resilience and quality today,” Mbeumo said after his brace. “We know there’s still a lot to improve, but this win will give us confidence moving forward.”

The win over Brighton comes on the heels of last week’s morale-boosting 2-1 victory over Liverpool, and while it’s still early in the season, United is starting to look like a team capable of challenging for a higher finish this term.

As for Brighton, the loss was a tough one to swallow, especially after their spirited second-half response. Despite creating several chances, including Welbeck’s spectacular free-kick and Kostoulas’s late header, the Seagulls could not find the equalizer. Brighton now faces a difficult run of fixtures as they look to bounce back from the defeat.

Liverpool, the defending champions, were playing Brentford later on Saturday, and a win for them would move them up to second in the table.

For Manchester United, the victory signals a clear improvement under Amorim, and while the team’s start to the season had been shaky, they are now heading in the right direction with growing belief and key contributions from their summer signings.

U.S. plans to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Liberia by Oct. 31 amid legal and human rights dispute

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U.S. plans to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Liberia by Oct. 31 amid legal and human rights dispute

Washington (BN24) – The United States government plans to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national whose case has become a flashpoint in the debate over President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, to Liberia as early as October 31, according to a new court filing from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Abrego Garcia’s case drew national attention after he was mistakenly deported to El Salvador last year in violation of a federal settlement agreement. The U.S. Supreme Court later ordered the Trump administration to facilitate his return, and he was flown back to the United States in June. Because his earlier deportation to El Salvador was deemed unlawful, immigration authorities can no longer send him back there.

In the months since his return, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has unsuccessfully attempted to deport Abrego Garcia to several African countries, including Uganda, Eswatini, and Ghana. According to Friday’s DHS filing, Liberia has now agreed to accept him.

The government defended its decision, calling Liberia “a thriving democracy and one of the United States’ closest partners on the African continent.” The court document described Liberia as a nation with “robust protections for human rights,” an English-speaking population, and a constitution that guarantees the humane treatment of refugees. DHS said the agency could proceed with deportation “as soon as October 31.”

Abrego Garcia’s attorney, Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, condemned the decision, calling it “punitive, cruel, and unconstitutional.” In a statement, he said, “After failed attempts with Uganda, Eswatini, and Ghana, ICE now seeks to deport our client, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, to Liberia, a country with which he has no connection, thousands of miles from his family and home in Maryland. Costa Rica stands ready to accept him as a refugee — a viable and lawful option. Yet the government has chosen a course calculated to inflict maximum hardship.”

Abrego Garcia, who has an American wife and child and has lived in Maryland for years, first entered the U.S. illegally as a teenager. In 2019, an immigration judge granted him protection from deportation to El Salvador, citing a “well-founded fear” of gang violence against his family. He has since applied for asylum in a separate immigration proceeding.

A federal judge in Maryland has previously blocked Abrego Garcia’s immediate deportation while his lawsuit remains pending. That lawsuit accuses the Trump administration of using the deportation process to retaliate against him for the embarrassment caused by his earlier wrongful removal.

In addition to his immigration case, Abrego Garcia is also facing criminal charges in federal court in Tennessee, where prosecutors allege he was involved in human smuggling. He has pleaded not guilty and filed a motion to dismiss the charges, arguing that the prosecution is vindictive and politically motivated.

For now, his fate rests with both the Maryland court and immigration authorities. If the deportation proceeds, it would mark the latest chapter in a long and contentious legal battle that has drawn international attention to how the Trump administration handles deportation cases involving political sensitivities and human rights considerations.

EU says Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok breach digital transparency rules

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EU says Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok breach digital transparency rules

BRUSSELS (BN24)—The European Commission said on Friday that Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are in breach of European Union rules designed to ensure transparency on digital platforms, potentially exposing the companies to fines of up to 6% of their worldwide annual turnover.

Preliminary findings from the EU executive show that Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, has failed to provide researchers with sufficient access to platform data as required under the Digital Services Act (DSA). Such data sets are intended to allow independent scientists to study the impacts of harmful content, including material that glorifies violence against children.

The commission also cited shortcomings in Meta’s user protections, stating that the company does not offer straightforward mechanisms for reporting illegal content or challenging content moderation decisions. These gaps, the EU said, undermine public trust and accountability, key pillars of democratic governance.

“Our democracies depend on trust. That means platforms must empower users, respect their rights, and open their systems to scrutiny,” said European Commission Vice-President Henna Virkkunen. She added that the preliminary assessments are part of ongoing efforts to hold digital platforms accountable to society and their users.

The investigation into the three social media platforms, launched in 2024, also examines whether Meta violates rules protecting minors, particularly regarding exposure to addictive algorithms. EU officials in Brussels have expressed frustration at Meta’s perceived lack of cooperation during the probe.

Meta now has the opportunity to respond to the allegations or adjust its platforms to avoid potential penalties. Should the commission determine that the company has violated EU law, fines could reach six percent of its global annual revenue.

The findings could intensify ongoing tensions between the EU and the United States. Some observers note that the enforcement of EU digital rules may strain relations with Washington, where former President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized EU legislation as anti-competitive. Meanwhile, Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg has reportedly aligned more closely with Trump’s political network, adding a further layer of geopolitical sensitivity to the EU investigation.

The European Commission’s announcement underscores increasing scrutiny of social media giants, highlighting the EU’s commitment to transparency, user safety, and responsible platform governance. Analysts say the preliminary report could serve as leverage in negotiations with Meta and other digital platforms as the EU seeks stronger enforcement of its digital rulebook.

British rapper and Netflix star Ghetts charged after fatal hit-and-run in London

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British rapper and Netflix star Ghetts charged after fatal hit-and-run in London

LONDON (BN24)— British rapper and Netflix star Ghetts, whose real name is Justin Clarke-Samuel, has been charged in connection with a fatal hit-and-run in Ilford, northeast London, authorities confirmed. The 41-year-old allegedly struck a 20-year-old man on October 18 and failed to stop at the scene, police said.

The victim later died in hospital, prompting prosecutors to expect a formal change in the charge from causing serious injury by dangerous driving to causing death by dangerous driving at the next court hearing. Ghetts appeared at Stratford Magistrates’ Court on Monday and was remanded into custody. He is scheduled to appear at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on October 27. Police have appealed for witnesses to come forward to assist with their investigation.

Ghetts, a prominent figure in British music and culture, has collaborated with artists including Skepta, Stormzy, and Ed Sheeran. He won the Best Male Act at the 2021 MOBO Awards and received the MOBO Pioneer Award in 2024 for his contributions to British black culture. His 2021 album, Conflict of Interest, reached number two on the UK album charts and has received extensive airplay on national radio stations including BBC Radio 1, Kiss 100, and BBC Radio 1Xtra.

The artist has also been recognized for his live performances, having appeared at Glastonbury in 2024, as well as previously in 2022 and 2008 on the BBC Introducing stage. In addition to his music career, Ghetts starred in the critically acclaimed Netflix series Supacell in 2024. Originally from Woodford Green in East London, he remains a widely influential figure in the UK entertainment scene.

Authorities have emphasized the seriousness of the incident and urged anyone who witnessed the crash or has information to contact the police. The investigation is ongoing, and charges are expected to be updated as the legal process progresses.

Conservatives warn Britain faces “massive crime wave” amid Labour’s justice reforms

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Conservatives warn Britain faces “massive crime wave” amid Labour’s justice reforms

LONDON(BN24) — Britain could be on the brink of a “massive crime wave,” Conservative politicians warned Thursday, as the National Audit Office (NAO) highlighted the risks posed by Labour’s justice reforms. Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick said the government’s plan to reduce prison sentences and increase community-based punishments could overwhelm the probation system and endanger public safety.

The NAO report, published Thursday, concluded that the Probation Service is under severe strain and will struggle to manage rising numbers of offenders supervised outside of prison. Analysts warned that staffing shortfalls could exceed 3,000 next year, adding to long-standing performance issues in the £1.45 billion-a-year service.

“The Probation Service won’t be able to cope with the mass release of dangerous prisoners,” Jenrick said. “They are being asked to do an impossible task. The warning lights are flashing red: this Bill puts the British people in significant danger. The consequence of Labour’s Sentencing Bill will be a massive crime wave of more sexual assaults, rapes, and violent crime committed in our communities. It has to be avoided at all costs.”

Official crime statistics released earlier this week show a spike in offenses such as shoplifting and drug-related crimes during Labour’s first year in power. The NAO report warned that the Probation Service, which met only 26 percent of its own performance targets in 2024-25—down from 50 percent in 2021-22—faces growing pressure as more responsibilities are shifted from prisons to probation officers.

The report projected that even after a recruitment drive, probation will face a shortfall of 3,150 staff by 2026-27. Many of Labour’s reforms, part of the ongoing Sentencing Bill, are designed to reduce prison overcrowding and shorten court backlogs, but they will also result in tens of thousands fewer offenders being sent to jail each year and more being released early.

Auditors highlighted that changes to the supervision of offenders outside prison could increase the size and risk profile of the probation caseload. “Some practitioners we spoke to raised concerns about the potential risk of schemes leading to adverse outcomes for public safety or effective rehabilitation of offenders,” the report said.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, who previously spearheaded Labour’s “soft justice” plan as justice secretary, argued that increased use of community punishments would create a “prison outside prison.” The reforms largely implement recommendations from an independent sentencing review by former Conservative Justice Secretary David Gauke, which projected the creation of nearly 9,800 jail spaces by 2028. The NAO cautioned that these reforms could further exacerbate pressures on probation.

The warning comes as the government faces mounting scrutiny over the ability of probation officers to manage high-risk offenders, with critics arguing that insufficient staffing and resources could lead to increased criminal activity and threats to public safety.

At least 25 killed in India after bus catches fire in crash with motorcycle

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At least 25 killed in India after bus catches fire in crash with motorcycle

KURNOOL, India (BN24) — A devastating crash in southern India on Friday morning left at least 25 people dead when a passenger bus caught fire after colliding with a motorcycle on a highway in Andhra Pradesh. The fire, which quickly engulfed the vehicle, trapped dozens of passengers, many of whom were sleeping at the time of the crash.

The tragic accident occurred near Chinnatekuru village in Kurnool district, about 130 miles south of the state capital, Hyderabad. Police confirmed that the bus, which was traveling between Hyderabad in Telangana state and Bengaluru in Karnataka, was carrying 44 passengers at the time of the incident.

According to senior police officer Vikrant Patil, the crash occurred when the motorcycle collided with the rear of the bus, which was speeding along the highway. The motorcycle became lodged beneath the vehicle, dragging behind it for some distance. The friction caused by the dragging motorcycle ignited sparks, which then triggered a fire in the bus’s fuel tank.

“The fire started rapidly, and within minutes the entire bus was consumed by flames,” Patil said. “Many of the passengers were asleep at the time and did not have time to react when the fire broke out.”

Passengers who were awake managed to break windows and escape the burning vehicle. Authorities said 18 people, including a few with minor injuries, were able to flee the bus, but it is unclear how many others managed to get out. Tragically, many passengers were unable to escape the inferno in time.

“Some people were able to smash windows and jump out, while others were trapped and burned alive,” Patil said. “By the time we arrived, the fire had already spread through the bus, and the situation was beyond control.”

The bus driver attempted to extinguish the fire using a fire extinguisher, but the flames were too intense. Firefighters arrived at the scene, but by that point, the bus was hollowed out, and the damage was already catastrophic. Authorities said the unidentified motorcycle rider, whose body was found near the bus, also died in the incident.

A forensic team is investigating the cause of the crash, though officials have ruled out foul play. Preliminary findings suggest that the collision and the subsequent fire were the primary causes of the fatalities.

The tragic accident highlights ongoing safety concerns in India’s transportation system, especially concerning passenger buses. Earlier this month, at least 20 people were killed in a similar incident in Rajasthan, where a suspected short circuit triggered a fire on a bus.

The bus was part of a fleet operating between Hyderabad and Bengaluru, two major cities in southern India. The incident occurred on National Highway 44, a key route connecting southern and northern India. It is unclear how many passengers had boarded the bus at the time of the crash, as the official passenger list is still being verified.

The local government and Indian authorities have vowed to investigate the incident thoroughly. The regional police chief confirmed that investigators are reviewing both the bus’s mechanical condition and possible human error.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on social media, calling the loss “heartbreaking.” Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu also extended his sympathies to the families of the victims. The state government has promised compensation for the families of those who died in the fire.

Local villagers who witnessed the scene have described the incident as chaotic, with several people desperately trying to help others escape from the burning bus.

“The smoke and flames were so thick. It was difficult to see anything,” said one resident, who declined to give their name. “We could hear people shouting, but the fire was too strong. It was too late to help.”

This incident underscores the persistent issue of road safety in India, where traffic accidents and fires on passenger vehicles are frequent. In recent years, authorities have pushed for better enforcement of safety standards, but incidents like this continue to highlight the vulnerability of both passengers and drivers.

The deadly fire has also sparked calls for greater safety regulations for inter-state buses, especially in light of the growing number of fatalities linked to fires and crashes on Indian highways.

9-year-old girl found dead in Oxfordshire home after reported assault on 3 children

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9-year-old girl found dead in Oxfordshire home after reported assault on 3 children

A nine-year-old girl was found dead inside a home in the quiet Oxfordshire village of Islip after police were called to reports that three children had been assaulted on Tuesday, authorities said.

Thames Valley Police said officers discovered three children at the property. Two were rushed to the hospital for treatment and later discharged, while the third child — a nine-year-old girl — was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

A 49-year-old woman from Oxfordshire was also taken to the hospital in what police described as a life-threatening condition. She remains under police supervision while receiving medical care.

Detective Inspector Amy Fox, the senior investigating officer, called the incident “an unimaginable tragedy” and confirmed that investigators are not currently seeking anyone else in connection with the case. “Our deepest sympathies are with the child’s family, friends, and all who knew and loved her,” Fox said. “We are doing everything we can to support those affected and to uncover the full circumstances behind this heartbreaking event.”

Detective Chief Inspector Sally Spencer said a post-mortem examination had been conducted but that the cause of death has not yet been determined. The child’s family is being supported by specially trained officers as the investigation continues.

A police cordon was set up around the home while forensic teams examined the scene. Officers have since concluded their work at the property but will maintain a visible presence in the area throughout the weekend to reassure residents and gather any additional information.

“This remains a highly sensitive and complex investigation,” Fox added. “We encourage anyone with concerns or information to speak with our officers.”

Residents of Islip expressed shock and sorrow at the tragedy, describing the area as a normally peaceful community.

“I’ve lived here for 15 years. Nothing like this has ever happened,” said neighbor Vicky Preston, 50. “It’s an absolute tragedy. My heart goes out to the family and friends who knew her.”

Another resident, who asked not to be named, said she was the one who called police after the children ran to her for help. “It’s just awful. They’re traumatized,” she said.

Others in the close-knit village echoed the devastation. “They were a busy young family, always working,” one neighbor said. “It’s terribly sad — I can’t imagine what on earth must have happened.”

Thames Valley Police said updates will be provided as soon as further details become available.

Source: thesun.uk

U.S. sanctions Colombia’s president as Trump accuses Petro of fueling drug trade

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U.S. sanctions Colombia’s president as Trump accuses Petro of fueling drug trade

WASHINGTON (BN24)  — The United States imposed sanctions Friday on Colombian President Gustavo Petro, intensifying a growing feud between President Donald Trump and one of Washington’s longtime Latin American allies. The move followed Trump’s public accusations that Petro has failed to curb cocaine production and allowed drug cartels to thrive.

The unprecedented sanctions target Petro personally, along with his wife, son, and Colombia’s Interior Minister Armando Benedetti, under U.S. authorities that allow punitive measures against those allegedly involved in international narcotics trafficking. The decision marks a major rupture in decades of close U.S.-Colombian cooperation on anti-drug efforts.

“Since President Gustavo Petro came to power, cocaine production in Colombia has exploded to the highest rate in decades, flooding the United States and poisoning Americans,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement. “President Petro has allowed drug cartels to flourish and refused to stop this activity. Today, President Trump is taking strong action to protect our nation and make clear that we will not tolerate the trafficking of drugs into our nation.”

The sanctions, among the harshest ever imposed on a sitting Colombian president, place Petro on a short list of sanctioned world leaders that includes those of Russia, Venezuela, and North Korea.

Petro, a leftist and former guerrilla, fired back on X, calling the move “a complete paradox.” He wrote, “Fighting drug trafficking for decades, and effectively, has brought me this measure from the government of the very society we helped so much to stop their cocaine consumption. But not one step back, and never on our knees.”

The confrontation erupted after Petro accused the U.S. of “murder” for firing at a civilian boat off the Venezuelan coast that he said belonged to “a humble family,” not a rebel group. Trump responded by labeling Petro “an illegal drug leader,” accusing him of shielding traffickers and undermining regional stability.

Benedetti, who was also sanctioned, denounced the U.S. measures as politically motivated, saying he was targeted merely for defending Petro. “This proves the U.S. anti-drug fight is a sham,” he said on X.

“This is the harshest sanction ever against a sitting Colombian president and his family,” said Sergio Guzman of Colombia Risk Analysis. “If this is the targeted pressure the U.S. has been planning, then the impact will fall directly on Petro’s inner circle rather than the Colombian economy.”

The rift comes amid escalating tensions between Washington and several Latin American governments. U.S. forces have stepped up operations in the southern Caribbean, striking vessels in international waters that American officials claim are drug smuggling routes—though those claims have been disputed by regional leaders.

Trump and Petro have clashed repeatedly since Trump returned to office in January, with disagreements over anti-narcotics strategy and regional security widening the gap. Last weekend, Trump threatened to impose higher tariffs on Colombian imports and confirmed Wednesday that all U.S. funding to the country had been suspended.

In a separate statement Friday, the State Department said Secretary of State Marco Rubio would not certify Colombia’s counter-narcotics efforts, a move that could block additional U.S. assistance.

Petro’s government insists it has made measurable progress in combating drug production. Colombia’s foreign ministry said the country seized more cocaine under Petro than in any previous administration and claimed coca crop expansion has dropped from 43% in 2021 to just 3% in 2024. “President Petro reiterated the importance of the United States basing its assessments on accurate data regarding Colombia’s fight against drugs,” the ministry said in a statement.

Despite those assurances, the Trump administration maintains that Petro’s policies have emboldened traffickers. “We will no longer subsidize failure,” Trump said earlier this week. “Colombia must take real action or face real consequences.”

The sanctions underscore a dramatic realignment in U.S.-Colombia relations, shifting from decades of partnership in anti-narcotics operations to open confrontation between the two governments.

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