• The US recalled its ambassador following critical statements from Colombia's government.
• Colombian President Gustavo Petro responded by recalling his ambassador to the US.
• A diplomatic investigation is underway into alleged plots against President Petro.
• Relations have soured amidst various political conflicts and recent violence in Colombia.

The United States and Colombia have recalled their respective top diplomats amid a serious diplomatic dispute. Washington initiated the process by recalling Chargé d’Affaires ad interim John McNamara after deeming certain statements from the Colombian government as "baseless and reprehensible," according to State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce, who did not provide specifics on the complaints. Following this, President Gustavo Petro of Colombia announced the recall of Ambassador Daniel Garcia-Pena to discuss the bilateral agenda amid the deteriorating relationship, according to SCMP, Reuters, The Jakarta Post, and Al Jazeera.

In addition to recalling McNamara, the United States indicated that it is pursuing further measures to express its discontent with the current state of relations, although specific actions were not detailed. President Petro emphasized the need for the diplomatic discussions to address critical issues such as climate cooperation and anti-narcotics efforts, according to Reuters and The Jakarta Post.

The diplomatic conflict comes at a time of heightened turmoil in Colombia, including an investigation into an alleged coup plot against President Petro involving Colombian and American politicians. This investigation has further strained ties, with Petro asserting that the situation is a conspiracy linked to drug traffickers and extreme right elements in both countries, according to Al Jazeera and The Jakarta Post.

This ongoing rift follows previous tensions, including an abrupt suspension of US consular services earlier this year after Colombia rejected a US request to utilize military planes for deportations of migrants. These developments highlight a potential unraveling of what was once one of the US’s closest partnerships in Latin America, marked by a 2006 free trade agreement that significantly benefited both countries, according to SCMP, Reuters, The Jakarta Post, and Al Jazeera.