Colombian President Gustavo Petro has issued a strong warning to United States President Donald Trump following comments and actions linked to alleged drug trafficking operations in Latin America.
Speaking amid rising regional tensions, Petro directly challenged Trump, rejecting any form of military aggression against Colombia.
“Come get me. I’m waiting for you here. Don’t threaten me, I’ll wait for you right here if you want to,” Petro said.
He added, “I don’t accept invasions, missiles, or assassinations—only intelligence. Come speak here with intelligence, and we’ll receive you and talk face-to-face with facts, not lies.”
Petro also accused internal political forces of misleading the United States, saying Colombia had suffered decades of violence and inequality as a result.
“Stop getting lied to by Colombian political mafias who condemned us to 700,000 deaths and made us the world’s most unequal country,” he said.
Petro’s remarks followed comments by Trump that appeared to hint at a possible U.S. military operation in Colombia. The U.S. president reportedly described Colombia’s leader as “sick” and accused him of enabling cocaine trafficking into the United States.
The exchange comes just one day after U.S. special forces carried out a high-profile raid in Venezuela, leading to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, over alleged drug trafficking offences. Both were subsequently extradited to New York City to face charges.
Following the arrests, Trump issued warnings to several Latin American countries, including Colombia, Cuba, and Mexico, threatening possible military intervention unless stronger measures were taken to combat drug trafficking.
Trump has also suggested that the United States would assume control of Venezuela during a transitional period, including oversight of the country’s oil sector, after Maduro’s arrest.
The developments have heightened diplomatic tensions across Latin America, with regional leaders expressing concern over sovereignty, security, and escalating U.S. involvement in the region.