US President Donald Trump
U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a sharp warning to Colombian President Gustavo Petro, escalating tensions in the region following reports of an American military operation in Venezuela.
Trump’s threat came amid claims that U.S. forces entered Venezuela and captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
In a video circulated by BRICS News on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, the U.S. leader was heard cautioning Petro to “be careful or face military invasion.”
Doubling down on his confrontational stance, Trump accused Colombia of being a hub for illicit drug production, using the allegation to justify his warning.
“He has cocaine mills, he has factories where he makes cocaine… they’re sending it into the United States, so he does have to be watchful,” Trump said.
The comments appeared to be a direct response to earlier remarks by President Petro, who publicly raised concerns about the unfolding situation in Venezuela.
In a post on X, the Colombian leader said his government was monitoring developments closely, stressing that Colombia “observes with deep concern the reports of explosions and unusual aerial activity recorded in recent hours in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, as well as the consequent escalation of tension in the region.”
The exchange marks a rare and blunt public confrontation between Washington and Bogotá, traditionally close allies, and highlights the growing strain triggered by the crisis in Venezuela.
Analysts warn that the war of words could deepen regional instability, especially as neighboring countries react to the reported U.S. operation and its wider implications for South America.
