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Colombia Resumes Drone Spraying to Combat Drug Cartels

2/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced the resumption of aerial spraying of drug crops using drones on February 13, 2026, as confirmed by the US embassy in Bogotá.
This decision follows a meeting with US President Donald Trump to enhance military cooperation and combat drug cartels.
Colombia had previously halted glyphosate spraying in 2015 due to health concerns.
The new policy involves drones flying 1.5 meters above coca fields for controlled spraying.
Petro's tougher anti-drug stance comes amid limited success of his "total peace" policy before his term ends.

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Story summary

Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced the resumption of aerial spraying of drug crops using drones on February 13, 2026, as confirmed by the US embassy in Bogotá.
This decision follows a meeting with US President Donald Trump to enhance military cooperation and combat drug cartels.
Colombia had previously halted glyphosate spraying in 2015 due to health concerns.
The new policy involves drones flying 1.5 meters above coca fields for controlled spraying.
Petro's tougher anti-drug stance comes amid limited success of his "total peace" policy before his term ends.