05.01.2026 13:34
The response from President Gustavo Petro to U.S. President Donald Trump's threat that "the Colombia operation sounds good" was swift. Petro stated, "If you attempt to arrest the president whom a significant portion of my people want and respect, you will have unleashed the jaguar of the people (its power)."
Colombian President Gustavo Petro argued that his arrest by the U.S. following a military intervention in Venezuela could trigger public backlash.
In a post on the social media account of the U.S.-based X company, Petro responded to accusations from U.S. President Donald Trump. After Trump's statement that "the Colombia operation sounds good," Petro indicated that he would check whether his recent statements were accurately reported in the press and their translations, and that he would respond after truly understanding this "illegitimate threat."
Petro claimed that as the President of Colombia, he is the leader of the army and police forces by constitutional authority, and in this context, he has "initiated the largest cocaine operation in world history." He emphasized that he has stopped coca leaf cultivation and has also led new policies on this issue. Petro also stated that he has instructed the capture of the leaders of armed groups involved in drug trafficking.
A MESSAGE FROM PETRO TO THE ARMY AND THE PEOPLE
Colombian President Petro stated, "If you attempt to arrest the president whom a significant portion of my people want and respect, you will have unleashed the jaguar (power) of the people."
From today onwards, Petro ordered the immediate departure of every military and security official in the public sector who places the U.S. flag in front of the Colombian flag, stating that he might take up arms again, even though he does not want to for his country. Petro expressed that he is not a member of an illegitimate and narcotic crime organization and requested the Colombian people to defend him against any illegitimate and violent actions.
TRUMP TARGETED PETRO
U.S. President Trump had targeted Colombian President Petro, reiterating the claim that this country sends cocaine to the U.S. Trump stated, "(Petro) has factories that produce cocaine, he produces it and sends it to the U.S. He needs to be careful."
Additionally, Trump referred to Colombia as a "sick country" and used the expression, "the Colombia operation sounds good," regarding the possibility of an attack.