Colombia, the world’s largest producer of cocaine, has long depended on certification to secure billions of dollars in security and development aid. The stakes are further heightened by the government’s defunding of the armed forces and his criticism of U.S. counternarcotics strategies. Calling for dialogue and reconciliation, Petro added: “The hour of the defense of Venezuela, which implies the union of its people, has arrived. Where citizens attack the army, there will be aerial fumigation,” Petro posted on X, linking the tactic to incidents in southern Colombia. The potential return to fumigation and the sharper tone against Venezuela come as Colombia braces for Washington’s verdict on certification.