Colombia’s Petro says he escaped assassination attempt

On February 11, 2026, Colombian President Gustavo Petro reported surviving an assassination attempt while traveling by helicopter with his daughters. Petro has previously warned of a plot by drug traffickers to target him. The incident occurred while he was traveling, though the specific location was not detailed in the report. The alleged motive behind the assassination attempt is linked to drug traffickers, though further details about the attempt itself are not provided. The report indicates that Petro believes he was targeted due to his stance against drug trafficking.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro claimed he narrowly escaped an assassination attempt on Monday night. His helicopter was diverted from its intended destination on the Caribbean coast due to security concerns about a potential shooting. Petro stated he was forced to spend four hours at sea before landing elsewhere. He has previously alleged that drug traffickers have been plotting to kill him since he took office in August 2022. Petro attributes the alleged plot to narco bosses and dissident FARC commanders, such as Ivan Mordisco. The incident occurred amidst heightened violence in Colombia, months before upcoming presidential elections.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro stated on Tuesday, February 11, 2026, that he narrowly avoided an assassination attempt while traveling by helicopter with his daughters. Petro said his helicopter was diverted from its intended landing site on Colombia's Caribbean coast due to credible threats of gunfire. He believes drug traffickers are behind the plot, as he has warned of such threats since October of the previous year. The incident forced Petro to alter his travel plans and security protocols. The Colombian Navy assisted in securing a different landing point. Petro stated these events have put him in a state of permanent alert.