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 US is treating other nations as part of a US 'empire'. It comes after Trump said a military operation in Colombia 'sounds good'. Petro warned that the US risks transitioning from a 'dominating the world' power 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 describes as a crackdown on crime and undocumented immigrants entering the US.
The BBC has reached out to the White House for comment.
Following US strikes on Venezuela and the seizure of Nicolás Maduro, Trump indicated that a military operation targeting Colombia 'sounds good'. He has also advised Petro to 'watch his ass', remarks Petro has condemned.
Despite their long-standing adversarial relationship and frequent insults exchanged via social media, Trump and Petro engaged in a phone discussion recently where both implied a change in tone.
Petro emphasized that the US must rethink its imperial approach, endorsing a preference for dialogue while interpreting Trump's statements as a significant threat.
As the world's leading cocaine producer, Colombia's geopolitical importance continues to attract US attention, further complicated by both nations' contrasting views on immigration and drug trafficking issues.
This week, significant protests erupted in Colombia against Trump's comments, centering on the themes of sovereignty and democracy.
Overall, President Petro's statements reflect a deep concern for Colombia's future as it navigates complex relationships with the US amidst a backdrop of military threats and contentious immigration enforcement measures.
