Colombia and CIA Dismiss Diplomatic Tensions, Continue Intelligence Sharing

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Despite a recent public spat between Colombia's leaders, the country's spy chief, Jorge Lemus, has confirmed that intelligence cooperation with the CIA remains strong. Lemus, head of the National Intelligence Directorate, said that Colombia and the US are working 'hand in hand' to combat drug trafficking, contradicting President Gustavo Petro's earlier threat to cut ties with the US. The diplomatic row began when Washington imposed sanctions on Petro, accusing him of aiding drug traffickers. However, Lemus's comments suggest that the two nations have put their differences aside and are continuing to share intelligence. Colombia has made significant progress in destroying cocaine labs, with 10,000 labs destroyed this year. Lemus emphasized that cooperation is not limited to the CIA, but extends to all US intelligence agencies. Experts had warned that a break in intelligence cooperation could lead to a surge in cocaine exports to the US. Lemus, a former guerrilla, has been a key figure in Colombia's fight against drug trafficking. His comments provide high-level confirmation that Colombia and the US are committed to their long-standing security cooperation.