Colombian President Gustavo Petro warned US President Donald Trump on Tuesday that any action that violates his country’s sovereignty will be considered a declaration of “war,” following the Republican’s statements about anti-narcotics operations on the ground that could affect both Venezuela and Colombia.
In response to Trump’s recent statements, Petro used his X account to reject the threats: “Attacking our sovereignty is declaring war; don’t damage two centuries of diplomatic relations.” He also invited the US president to join him in destroying cocaine labs, highlighting that his administration has dismantled 18,400 so far in office.
“Without missiles, I have destroyed 18,400 labs during my administration. Come with me and I’ll show you how they’re destroyed: one lab every 40 minutes, but don’t threaten our sovereignty, because you’ll awaken the jaguar,” he wrote.
Trump, for his part, announced that he will intensify anti-drug operations, including ground operations. “We’re going to start carrying them out on the ground as well. You know, on the ground it’s much easier. And we know the routes they take. We know everything about them, we know where the bad guys live. And we’re going to start with that very soon,” he told reporters.
He added that “anyone” who manufactures and sells drugs to the U.S. could be targeted, even within Colombia and Venezuela. “I’ve heard that Colombia, the country of Colombia, is manufacturing cocaine… Anyone who is doing that and selling it to our country is subject to attack. Not necessarily just Venezuela,” the White House representative said.
In response, the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement expressing “deep concern” over Trump’s remarks and reaffirming its commitment to an evidence-based counternarcotics strategy that prioritizes human rights, public health, and shared responsibility. The Colombian government categorically rejected “any threat of external aggression” that could jeopardize its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national dignity, and underscored its adherence to international law and peace.
IMAGE CREDIT: Colombian President Gustavo Petro rejected Donald Trump’s threats against his country’s sovereignty. Photo: EFE.
[ SOURCE: teleSUR ]
