11.02.2026 06:50
Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced that he escaped a possible assassination attempt targeting his traveling helicopter thanks to a change in route. Since taking office in August 2022, Petro stated that criminal gangs have been trying to kill him, and he was also threatened by U.S. President Trump with military action against his country.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced that he narrowly escaped a possible assassination attempt. Speaking at a cabinet meeting, Petro said he traveled by helicopter on Monday but received intelligence that they would be attacked near their destination on the Caribbean coast.
"WE ARRIVED AT A PLACE WE SHOULD NOT HAVE GONE"
Petro reported that the helicopter made an emergency route change, stating, "We headed out to open sea for 4 hours and arrived at a place we should not have gone. Thus, I escaped being killed."
"THE DECISION TO CHANGE ROUTE WAS MADE VERY QUICKLY"
Reiterating that the decision to change the route was made very quickly, Petro said, "I don't remember why we did it, but we did." Petro did not share details about who the individuals or groups expected to target his helicopter were.
UNDER THE TARGET OF CRIMINAL NETWORKS
As Colombia's first leftist president, Petro had repeatedly warned since taking office in August 2022 that criminal networks had attempted to kill him.
Claiming that he is targeted by drug cartels and armed groups, Petro asserted that the country's intelligence agency had prevented possible attacks on his aircraft. Critics questioned the veracity of Petro's claims, citing the lack of publicly accessible evidence.
TRUMP THREATENED FIRST, THEN MET
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump invited Colombian leader Gustavo Petro to the White House a few days after accusing him of drug trafficking and threatening military action against his government. A cordial meeting took place between the two leaders.