Colombian President Gustavo Petro has declared that he is prepared to defend his country if provoked by threats from former United States President Donald Trump, following recent tensions in the region.
Speaking on Monday, Petro reacted to remarks made by Trump after a US military operation over the weekend that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Trump reportedly issued warnings toward Petro, escalating diplomatic tensions between Washington and Bogotá.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Petro—who once belonged to a guerrilla movement—said he had sworn never to bear arms again but would reconsider that decision if Colombia’s sovereignty were endangered.
“I promised myself never to touch a weapon again,” Petro wrote, “but for the sake of the homeland, I am ready to defend it.”
Trump had earlier used strong language against Petro, describing him as unstable and accusing him of links to drug production and trafficking—claims that further strained relations between the two leaders.
The developments come amid growing regional unease following the US action against Venezuela, raising concerns about wider instability in Latin America.
