Colombian President Gustavo Petro has issued a direct challenge to U.S. President Donald Trump following the American operation in Venezuela. Speaking on Monday, Petro strongly condemned the action and warned Washington against expanding military pressure in the region. Addressing Trump, he said, “Come get me. I’m waiting for you here.”
Petro cautioned that bombing campaigns would radicalise rural Colombians. He said farmers could turn into guerrillas if violence escalates. He also warned that detaining a popular leader would unleash mass public resistance. Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the 1990s, said he once vowed never to carry arms again. He added that he would defend the nation if Colombia’s sovereignty were threatened.
Tensions intensified after Trump accused Colombia’s leadership of exporting drugs to the United States. He described the country as “very sick” and claimed its president profits from cocaine production. Trump said launching an operation against Colombia “sounds good” to him.
Colombia’s Foreign Ministry rejected the remarks and warned against the use of force. It stressed that international relations must rely on dialogue and mutual respect. Trump previously imposed sanctions on Petro and his family over alleged drug links.
The dispute follows the U.S. capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Trump said Maduro and his wife will face trial in New York on drug trafficking and narco-terrorism charges. The sharp rhetoric has raised fears of wider regional instability.
