Colombian President Petro Responds to Trump Threats: ‘Ready to Take Up Arms’
Gustavo Petro, President of Colombia, responding to threats from US President Donald Trump, emphasized that his country will defend itself against any external pressure and, if necessary, he is personally ready to take up arms.
According to Agence France-Presse, Petro stated that after the end of Colombia’s internal conflicts, he had sworn off carrying weapons, but now, contrary to his personal wishes, he considers defending the homeland an unavoidable responsibility. He warned, “Do not scare a fighter with the threat of war.”
The Colombian president went on to address the country’s armed forces, saying that any soldier who prioritizes the US flag over Colombia’s has no place in the military and should leave the institution. These remarks have sparked widespread reactions in Colombia’s political and military spheres.
Meanwhile, the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the threats from the US president as an unacceptable interference in the country’s internal affairs and called for mutual respect in bilateral relations.
Despite close military and economic cooperation, Colombia and the United States have faced tensions in recent months. These tensions intensified particularly after the start of Donald Trump’s second presidential term, due to disagreements over tariffs and immigration policies.
Yesterday, in response to a question about the possibility of military intervention in Colombia, similar to discussions about Venezuela, Donald Trump said he thought it was a “good idea,” a statement that provoked a sharp reaction from officials in Bogotá.
