Colombian President’s Refueling Denied in Spain Due to US Sanctions
Earlier this week, Colombian President Gustavo Petro embarked on a diplomatic tour across the Middle East.
However, during a layover in Madrid, a sudden complication arose that disrupted his plans.
The aircraft carrying the Colombian leader attempted to refuel at Madrid’s Barajas Airport but was unexpectedly refused service by local fuel companies.
The refusal was driven by concerns over violating US sanctions imposed on foreign entities, including airlines and fuel providers linked to certain countries.
As a result, the presidential aircraft was compelled to alter its route and seek alternative refueling options.
Fortunately, thanks to the intervention of the Spanish government, the plane was permitted to refuel at a military airbase, allowing the journey to continue.
Colombian authorities condemned the incident, describing it as unacceptable and a security risk for the delegation.
In recent developments, President Petro was added to the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions list, accused of involvement in drug trafficking, specifically in the production of coca and providing support to narcotics-terrorist organizations.
Petro denies these allegations.
Additionally, his wife Verónica Alcoser, his eldest son Nicolás Petro Burgos, and the Minister of Internal Affairs, Armando Benedetti, are also subject to sanctions.
The Colombian government responded to the measure by calling it an ‘insulting’ act that undermines the country’s honor and dignity, and temporarily recalled its ambassador in the United States for consultations.