Amid escalating tensions, Colombian President Gustavo Petro has expressed a readiness to resort to military action in response to remarks made by U.S. President Donald Trump. This declaration follows Trump’s military operation over the weekend aimed at the Venezuelan leader, Nicolás Maduro, which has drawn significant attention and criticism.
On social media platform X, Petro, a former member of the M-19 guerrilla group, drew on his past, stating, “I swore not to touch a weapon again… but for the homeland I will take up arms again.” This statement comes in light of sustained derogatory comments from Trump, who labeled him a “sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States,” also implying that Petro should be wary of potential repercussions.
Petro’s government has faced numerous challenges since Trump’s return to the presidency, particularly concerning the U.S.’s military deployment in the Caribbean. This military initiative, which began with efforts to demolish alleged drug trafficking vessels, has escalated to interventions aimed at seizing Venezuelan assets.
In a message posted on X, Petro defended Colombia’s anti-drug policies, asserting their effectiveness while also warning against militant interventions without adequate intelligence. He cautioned that indiscriminate military actions risk harming civilians, particularly children, and could inadvertently galvanize more individuals into joining guerrilla forces. He also highlighted that detaining a leader like Maduro, who enjoys popular support in Venezuela, could unleash considerable unrest.
In retaliation for his criticisms, Trump has accused Petro, without offering supporting evidence, of direct involvement in drug trafficking, subsequently imposing financial sanctions on him and his family. Additionally, the U.S. government has stripped Colombia of its designation as a significant ally in combating drug-related issues.
The current political climate in Colombia is further complicated by the support Trump’s administration lends to the right-wing opposition, which is gearing up for crucial legislative and presidential elections later this year. This backdrop creates an intense atmosphere of rivalry and conflict, underscoring the volatile relationship between Colombia and the United States as both nations navigate their respective domestic and foreign policy challenges.
