Colombian President Petro, Threatens To Take Up Arms In Defence After Trump Warns of Possible Attack

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has vowed to “take up arms” if the United States attacks Colombia, following warnings from President Donald Trump. The caution came after Trump suggested Colombia and Petro could be America’s next target in his anti-drug operations, following the recent capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

Petro, who had previously pledged never to use weapons after the 1989 Peace Pact, said he would defend his country if necessary. “Know that you are facing a commander of the people. Free Colombia forever,” he wrote on X. He also stressed that Colombian forces have orders to protect him and all cities, with instructions to confront any foreign invaders.

The president argued that his government is actively combating illegal drug trafficking and warned that any attack by the US would strengthen the cartels. Petro cautioned that bombing cartel positions could endanger children and civilians used as human shields, potentially triggering a humanitarian crisis. He further warned that arresting him could provoke a mass uprising among Colombians, whom he described as the “popular jaguar.”

Petro’s statements directly responded to Trump’s warning, in which he told the Colombian leader to “watch his a–” after US forces raided Caracas and captured Maduro and his wife. Petro condemned the operation and called for a United Nations Security Council hearing. Trump also accused Petro of involvement in cocaine production and trafficking to the United States, escalating tensions between the two leaders.