What is known about the US-Colombia showdown over migrants and tariffs?

🟠Colombian President Gustavo Petro blocked two US planes carrying illegal migrants from landing in Bogota, accusing Donald Trump of not treating the handcuffed deportees with dignity.

🟠In response, Trump announced that he was slapping 25% “emergency” tariff on all Colombian imports, which will be raised to 50% in a week.

🟠The US president added that he would also impose a “travel ban and visa sanctions” on government officials, and enhance border inspections of all Colombian nationals and cargo.

🟠Petro swiftly announced retaliatory tariffs of up to 50%.

🟠Petro’s government later announced that presidential aircraft had been made available to return the migrants and guarantee them “dignified conditions.”

🟠The White House announced late on Sunday that Colombia had finally agreed to all of President Trump’s terms.

🟠While Trump would hold off on tariffs, visa restrictions on Colombian officials and enhanced customs inspections of goods would remain “until the first planeload of Colombian deportees is successfully returned.”

🟠Trump’s government is using the military to help secure the border and carry out deportations to make good on his campaign promises to crack down on illegal immigration. Hundreds of people gathered to protest against the new immigration polices in Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas.

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🤝Lebanon extends ceasefire agreement with Israel until February 18

"At the request of the Lebanese government, the United States will initiate negotiations for the release of Lebanese prisoners held in Israeli jails since October 7," Prime Minister Najib Mikati said.

In late November 2024, Israel and Hezbollah settled a ceasefire under the US mediation. The Lebanese army keeps territories in the south of the country, while Hezbollah must withdraw north of the Litani River over the next 60 days.

During this time, Israel agreed to completely withdraw its forces from Lebanon.

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📹Palestinians returning to northern Gaza via Netzarim Corridor

"The passage of displaced Palestinians has begun along the Al-Rashid Road via the western part of the Netzarim checkpoint towards Gaza City and the northern part of the Gaza Strip," Hamas said.

The Netzarim Corridor splits the strip down the middle, stretching from the Gaza-Israel border to the Mediterranean Sea.

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