Trump’s other Latin American feud: why Colombia’s Petro is not Maduro

Tensions between the U.S. and Colombia have escalated following U.S. military action in Venezuela. Former U.S. President Trump accused Colombian President Gustavo Petro of being a "sick man" involved in cocaine production and hinted at potential military intervention in Colombia. Petro, a former leftist guerrilla, vehemently denied the accusations and warned that U.S. military action would incite widespread rebellion. He stated he would take up arms again to defend Colombia, despite previously vowing not to. The Colombian defense minister has since reinforced the president's security detail. The dispute highlights a deterioration in relations between the two countries, traditionally allies in the fight against drug trafficking.

In January 2026, Donald Trump invited Colombian President Gustavo Petro to the White House after a phone call between the two leaders. This invitation occurred days after Trump threatened military action against Colombia, accusing Petro of drug trafficking. The call, which lasted an hour, involved discussions about drug issues and other disagreements. Petro stated that the call re-established communication and addressed Venezuela and drug trafficking. Petro also accused Colombian politicians of misleading Trump, leading to the diplomatic crisis. Arrangements are underway for a meeting in Washington, D.C., though a specific date was not provided.

In January 2026, tensions between U.S. President Trump and Colombian President Petro de-escalated after a phone call initiated by Petro to address disagreements, particularly regarding drugs. This call followed Trump's recent criticism of Petro and suggestions of military action against Colombia. Trump expressed appreciation for Petro's call and announced that Secretary of State Rubio is arranging a White House meeting between the two leaders. The hour-long call, facilitated by the U.S. Embassy in Colombia, occurred around the same time as planned demonstrations in Colombia in response to Trump's earlier threats. The State Department had previously revoked Petro's visa following his controversial remarks at a pro-Palestinian rally.

Following comments from Donald Trump suggesting Colombia could be the next target in a U.S. "war on drugs," Colombian President Gustavo Petro threatened military resistance. Trump, speaking on Air Force One, accused Petro of running a country "very sick" with cocaine production and personally profiting from the drug trade. Petro responded on X, denying Trump's accusations and vowing to take up arms to defend Colombia if attacked, despite his past commitment to peace. This exchange follows previous criticisms and threats from Trump, who has labeled Petro an "illegal drug dealer" and "lunatic." Petro has also been a vocal critic of U.S. actions, particularly strikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean.

On January 5, 2026, Cuba announced two days of mourning for 32 Cuban "fighters" killed during a U.S. military operation in Caracas, Venezuela. According to the state-run Prensa Latina agency, the Cubans were killed while assisting the Venezuelan military at the request of the Venezuelan government, either in direct combat or during bombings. The U.S. operation involved the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, who were flown to New York to face drug-related charges. Venezuelan Minister of Defence General Vladimir Padrino stated that the U.S. attack resulted in the deaths of soldiers, civilians, and Maduro's security detail. U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged Cuban deaths during the raids, stating there were no U.S. casualties.

Cuba announced that 32 of its citizens, including military and intelligence personnel, died in U.S. attacks in Venezuela on Sunday. President Miguel Díaz-Canel stated the deceased were members of Cuba's armed forces or interior ministry, fulfilling a mission requested by Venezuela. This announcement is a rare public acknowledgement of Cuba's involvement in Venezuela, where it has a longstanding alliance. Cuba has historically sent thousands of citizens, including teachers, doctors, intelligence agents, and security guards, to Venezuela in exchange for oil. The deaths occurred amidst increasing U.S. military pressure and Venezuela's reliance on Cuban personnel for security, with Venezuela reporting a preliminary death toll of 80 in the attacks.

In a January 10, 2026, interview with Al Jazeera, Colombian President Gustavo Petro addressed growing pressure from the United States following the U.S. abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on "narcoterrorism" charges. Petro responded to accusations made by former U.S. President Donald Trump, focusing on the implications for Colombian sovereignty. The Colombian leader discussed the balance between diplomacy and confrontation in the region. Petro also considered whether Latin America is entering a period of instability and the potential impact on regional sovereignty. The interview explored the broader context of U.S. actions and their effect on Latin American politics.

Donald Trump warned Venezuela's new leader, Delcy Rodríguez, of severe consequences if she doesn't act "right," as Nicolás Maduro is set to appear in a New York court on drug trafficking and weapons charges. Maduro's arrest followed a US military operation in Caracas, which some Democratic lawmakers criticized as an "act of war," though Secretary of State Marco Rubio insists the US is not at war with Venezuela, but rather against drug trafficking organizations. Trump stated the US would "run" Venezuela until a proper transition and promised US oil companies would move in, despite Maduro's allies remaining in charge. Cuba, a Maduro ally, mourns the deaths of Cuban combatants during the US operation, while Rubio defended the US action and threatened further measures if Venezuela doesn't align with US interests, including maintaining the oil "quarantine."

The BBC is examining the close relationship between Cuba and Venezuela, particularly in light of recent events. Following a military operation in Venezuela where Nicolás Maduro was seized, Cuba's reliance on Venezuelan oil supplies is now potentially vulnerable. The report explores how a collapse of Venezuela's oil supply could negatively impact Havana. Will Grant, the BBC's Cuba correspondent, is reporting from Cúcuta, on the Colombia-Venezuela border, to provide insights into the situation. The report also includes video produced by Marina Costa and Gabriela Boccaccio, and graphics by Jean-li Lee.

In January 2026, the United States conducted a "large scale strike" against Venezuela, according to former US President Donald Trump. Trump claimed that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were captured and removed from the country. US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau stated this marked a "new dawn" for Venezuela. Maduro's government condemned the action as military aggression. Colombian President Gustavo Petro alerted the world to the attack and reiterated the need for peace and respect for international law. US media outlets like Fox News and CBS News also reported on the strikes within Venezuela.

In January 2026, the United States conducted a "large scale strike" against Venezuela, according to former US President Donald Trump. Trump claimed that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were captured and removed from the country. US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau stated this marked a "new dawn" for Venezuela. Maduro's government condemned the action as military aggression. Colombian President Gustavo Petro alerted the world to the attack and reiterated the need for peace and respect for international law. US media outlets like Fox News and CBS News also reported on the strikes within Venezuela.