Petro Vows to Defend Colombia Against Trump Threats

Petro Reiterates Commitment to His Country

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has declared that he "will take up arms again" to defend his country amid threats from the United States against him and his government. In a social media post, Petro, a former leftist fighter, warned that any violent intervention from the U.S. in Colombia, similar to that in Venezuela, would provoke a response.

Trump's Threats

Petro has been a vocal critic of American President Donald Trump, who has threatened Colombia with potential military attacks in the name of combating drug trafficking. The two leaders have exchanged barbs multiple times, with Trump's threats becoming increasingly aggressive in recent days. Over the weekend, Trump stated that Petro should "watch his back" following the alleged kidnapping of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, an act deemed illegal by international law experts.

Colombia's Reaction

The Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Trump's comments as "an unjustified intervention in the internal affairs of the country, against the norms of international law." Trump has accused Petro of facilitating drug trafficking to the U.S., a claim that lacks evidence and that Petro strongly rejects. The Colombian president emphasized that his government has worked to combat drug production, moving away from the militarized approach of the war on drugs.

"I have immense trust in my people," Petro stated. "And that is why I have asked them to defend the president from any illegitimate violent act against him."