Petro warns Trump: Provoking our sovereignty will 'awaken the jaguar'

Colombian President Gustavo Petro issued a strong warning to the US President on Tuesday, urging him not to undermine Colombia's sovereignty amid growing tensions between Bogot and Washington. During a cabinet meeting in Washington, US President Donald Trump suggested the possibility of targeting Colombia in efforts to combat drug trafficking. "Colombia is producing cocaine," Trump said. "They operate cocaine manufacturing facilities and then sell it to us ... anyone doing that is open to attack ... not just Venezuela."

In response, Petro invited Trump to visit Colombia to see firsthand "the daily destruction of nine drug labs aimed at stopping cocaine from reaching the United States." On social media platform X, Petro noted that 18,400 drug labs have been dismantled since he assumed office in 2022, "without missiles."

"Come with me, and I will show you how to destroy them, one lab every 40 minutes, but do not threaten our sovereignty, or you will awaken the jaguar," Petro said. "Attacking our sovereignty is equivalent to declaring war. Do not jeopardize two centuries of diplomatic ties."

"You have already defamed me. Do not continue down that route. If any nation has contributed to preventing thousands of tons of cocaine from reaching North Americans, it is Colombia," he added.

Tensions between Bogot and Washington have worsened recently. The US administration has criticized Petro for insufficient action against drug cartels and has imposed sanctions on him. Meanwhile, the US military has mobilized forces in the Caribbean and reportedly destroyed around 20 suspected drug-smuggling boats in recent weeks, resulting in over 80 fatalities according to US reports. Petro confirmed that a Colombian fisherman was among the casualties, prompting him to halt intelligence sharing with the US.

The US officially justifies its operations as part of the fight against drug trafficking, while Venezuela claims Washingtons actions aim to provoke regime change.

Author: Sophia Brooks