Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Monday vowed to "take up arms" in response to threats from United States President Donald Trump, who over the weekend ordered a military operation that led to the capture of Nicolas Maduro and his wife in Venezuela. According to Reuters, when asked directly if the United States would carry out a military operation against the country, Trump responded, "It sounds good to me." In a long message on X, Petro insisted that his anti-narcotics policy is sufficiently robust, but stressed there were limits to how aggressive the military can be. He concluded by portraying himself as a leader backed by the people and reaffirmed his call for a free Colombia. Meanwhile, Trump also mentioned the United States would temporarily “run” Venezuela, though Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified on Sunday that Washington would not manage the country’s day-to-day affairs, aside from enforcing the existing "oil quarantine".

Source: Mint January 05, 2026 18:54 UTC