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

President Obama certified that Colombia meets statutory requirements for U.S. assistance in interdicting aircraft suspected of drug trafficking, continuing a program that allows U.S. support for aerial interdiction in Colombian airspace. The determination requires Colombia to have procedures protecting against innocent loss of life, including warning aircraft before force is used.

Federal Register Open PDF 76 FR 53299

Impact dates

Date TBD
Secretary of State to publish determination in Federal Register and notify Congress

Key directives

Certify Colombia meets requirements for U.S. drug interdiction assistance under 22 U.S.C. 2291-4
Continue program allowing interdiction of aircraft reasonably suspected of illicit drug trafficking in Colombian airspace
Confirm Colombia has procedures to protect against innocent loss of life, including effective means to identify and warn aircraft before use of force
Secretary of State to publish determination in Federal Register
Secretary of State to notify Congress

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

Certification takes effect upon signing
U.S. drug interdiction assistance to Colombia continues

Near term (90d)

Secretary of State to publish determination in Federal Register
Secretary of State to notify Congress

Long term

Ongoing aerial interdiction operations in Colombian airspace
Continued U.S.-Colombia counter-narcotics cooperation

Risks & tensions

Aerial interdiction carries inherent risk of civilian casualties despite warning requirements
Statutory certification is recurring; unclear if this represents continuation or renewal of prior determination
Vague deadline for publication/notification to Congress