US Military Action Against Colombia: A Looming Threat, Warns President Petro

Sat Jan 10 2026 03:58:48 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Colombia's President Gustavo Petro has raised alarm over a potential US military intervention following Trump's recent threats. The ongoing tensions between the two countries reflect deeper geopolitical issues.

In a recent interview with the BBC, Colombian President Gustavo Petro expressed concerns over what he describes as a 'real threat' from the United States regarding military action against Colombia. This comes amidst heightened tensions following President Trump's critical remarks about Colombia's handling of drug trafficking and immigration issues. Petro emphasizes the need for dialogue over military confrontation and criticizes US immigration enforcement practices, likening ICE agents to 'Nazi brigades.' The situation highlights the complex dynamics between Colombia and the US, particularly in the context of drug trade and geopolitical power struggles.

Colombia's President Gustavo Petro has told the BBC that he believes there is now a real threat of US military action against Colombia.

Petro said the United States is treating other nations as part of a US empire. It comes after Trump threatened Colombia with military action. He stated that the US risks transforming from dominating the world to becoming isolated from the world.

He also accused US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents of acting like Nazi brigades. Trump has significantly expanded ICE operations as part of what the administration says is a crackdown on crime and immigrants who illegally entered the US.

The BBC has approached the White House for comment.

Following US strikes on Venezuela and the seizure of Nicolás Maduro, US President Donald Trump said a military operation targeting Colombia sounds good. Trump has also repeatedly told Petro to watch his ass, remarks Petro strongly condemned.

Trump and Petro spoke by phone on Wednesday evening, after which Trump expressed that he would meet his Colombian counterpart at the White House in the near future. Writing on his Truth Social platform after the call, Trump described the conversation as a Great Honour. A Colombian official noted that the dialogue indicated a significant shift in rhetoric from both sides.

However, Petro's comments following the call suggested that relations had not substantially improved. He noted that most of the hour-long conversation focused on issues like drug trafficking in Colombia and perceptions regarding Venezuela.

Petro criticized recent US immigration enforcement, characterizing ICE agents as operating like Nazi brigades. In his statement, he suggested that if the current trend continues, the US could face isolation rather than dominance worldwide.

Amidst heightened tensions, demonstrations have erupted in Colombia advocating for sovereignty and democracy following Trump's threats of military action. Petro reiterated the historical context, referencing Colombia's territorial losses in the past, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic conversations moving forward.

In response to how Colombia might defend itself, Petro indicated a preference for dialogue over military confrontation, noting Colombia's reliance on its own resources rather than direct military opposition. He expressed hope for further political discussions, particularly concerning the tense relations with the US, stating that past interference has often complicated Colombia’s sovereignty and security.

This situation continues to evolve with implications not only for Colombia but for broader international relations within the region and beyond.