Petro stated that Washington views other nations as extensions of its empire and that the threatened military action is a reality.
He emphasized the need for diplomacy to avert war and announced plans to travel to the United States to facilitate a meeting regarding the situation.
Colombia’s Interior Minister Armando Benedetti had previously announced that President Petro and US President Donald Trump had agreed to a “joint action” against an insurgent group he accused of drug trafficking.
Benedetti stated that President Petro and President Trump are “committed to joint action” against the National Liberation Army (ELN).
The ELN has accused Colombian soldiers of attacking them and taking hostages while sheltering in Venezuela’s difficult terrain.
Benedetti claimed that Petro requested Trump’s assistance in combating the ELN in border regions with Venezuela.
President Petro is Colombia’s first leftist leader, and during his tenure, he attempted to broker a ceasefire with the group. However, those efforts were suspended in 2025.
Benedetti’s remarks come amid ongoing tensions between the two nations, following a recent phone call between Petro and Trump aimed at de-escalating the situation.
The United States has previously accused Colombia of failing to cooperate in combating drug trafficking. Trump also increased threats towards Colombia following the kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Trump said in a Wednesday call with Petro that discussions centered on drug trafficking and other disputes between the two nations, describing the call as a “great honor.”
Petro affirmed that “peace is achieved through dialogue” and that the phone conversation helped alleviate tensions.