Colombian President Warns He Will “Take Up Arms” if U.S. Attacks Colombia After Trump Comment
Colombian President Gustavo Petro warned that he would take up arms to defend Colombia if the United States attacks, a stark escalation in diplomatic tension following a controversial U.S. military operation in Venezuela this weekend. According to national and international reports, Petro’s comments reflect alarm over potential U.S. military intentions toward his government.
Petro’s remarks raise the stakes in relations with Washington, as he suggested that any direct military action could “unleash the popular jaguar” — a metaphor for broad popular resistance — and risk a resurgence of guerrilla fighters in the countryside.
Confirmed facts show that after the U.S. captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, tensions spiked. Trump told reporters that a U.S. operation against Colombia “sounds good to me,” though no formal offensive has been announced.
The Colombian leader acknowledged his past as a guerrilla and said he had pledged under the 1989 Peace Pact not to bear arms but vowed to do so for his homeland if necessary.
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Colombia’s Foreign Ministry rejected Trump’s comments as undue interference, asserting its commitment to international law and cooperation.
Petro’s statement complicates longstanding military and anti-drug collaboration between Bogotá and Washington, as Colombia has also pledged to continue joint efforts against trafficking.
The reaction underscores rising geopolitical friction across Latin America amid U.S. actions in Venezuela and accusations against Petro’s government.
Analysts say the coming days will test diplomatic channels, with possible international mediation to prevent escalation. What happens next could determine the future of U.S.–Colombia security cooperation and regional stability.
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