Colombian President Gustavo Petro has warned that he would be prepared to “take up arms” to defend his country’s sovereignty following sharply escalated rhetoric with U.S. President Donald Trump. The comments come in response to Trump’s aggressive statements suggesting possible U.S. military action against Colombia, similar to the recent operation in Venezuela that saw the capture of Nicolás Maduro and his transfer to New York to face charges. 

Petro, a former guerrilla fighter who laid down arms under a 1989 peace agreement, said on social media that he swore never to pick up a weapon again—but would do so “for the patria” if necessary and called on Colombians to defend democratic institutions. 

Trump has repeatedly criticized Petro’s government, accusing it of being “very sick” and engaging in drug production, and when asked about a possible U.S. operation against Colombia he said it “sounds good to me,” intensifying diplomatic tensions. 

Petro dismissed the allegations, rejected claims that he is illegitimate or involved in narcotics, and insisted Colombia would not be intimidated. The standoff adds strain to U.S.–Latin America relations already inflamed by Washington’s controversial intervention in Venezuela, prompting Petro to call for regional unity against external pressure.