Continuation of U.S. Drug Interdiction Assistance to the Government of Colombia

This determination certifies that Colombia meets statutory conditions for U.S. assistance in aerial drug interdiction, continuing authority under the 1995 NDAA for the Defense Department to share intelligence and support Colombian forces in intercepting aircraft suspected of drug trafficking. The certification requires Colombia to have procedures protecting against innocent loss of life, including warning protocols before use of force.

Federal Register Open PDF 88 FR 56997

Impact dates

Aug 11, 2023
Secretary of State to publish determination in Federal Register and notify Congress

Key directives

Certify Colombia meets conditions for aerial drug interdiction assistance under 22 U.S.C. 2291-4
Confirm Colombia has procedures to protect innocent life including aircraft identification and warning protocols before use of force
Secretary of State to publish determination in Federal Register
Secretary of State to notify Congress of this determination

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

Certification takes effect upon signing, continuing interdiction assistance authority
Secretary of State to publish in Federal Register and notify Congress

Near term (90d)

Ongoing intelligence sharing and operational coordination between U.S. and Colombian forces

Long term

Continued U.S.-Colombia counter-narcotics partnership contingent on annual or periodic recertification
Sustained aerial interdiction operations in Colombian airspace

Risks & tensions

Human rights concerns persist around aerial interdiction and use of force against suspected drug aircraft; 2001 Peruvian incident with mistaken shootdown of missionaries remains relevant precedent
Certification relies on self-reported Colombian procedures without specified U.S. verification mechanism in text
Statutory framework (1995 NDAA as amended) has been periodically controversial regarding sovereignty and civilian protection