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A significant diplomatic confrontation is unfolding in South America, stemming from remarks by US President Donald Trump and a defiant response from Colombian President Gustavo Petro. Following Trump's suggestions that Colombia could face military action akin to a recent operation in Venezuela, President Petro directly challenged the US, stating, "come get me, Im waiting for you here."
Petro, a former guerrilla fighter, warned that any military aggression would ignite widespread resistance, asserting that US bombing would transform farmers into guerrillas and that detaining him would unleash the "Jaguar of the people." He emphasised that while he abandoned weapons decades ago, he would take them up again for his countrys defence if compelled.
Trump's comments, which included labelling Colombias leadership as "sick" and suggesting a military operation "sounds good," have notably heightened regional tensions. Colombias Foreign Ministry has sought to de-escalate the situation, reaffirming its commitment to diplomacy and rejecting the use of force between states.
The wider context of the US operation in Venezuela, which reportedly led to the capture of Nicola Maduro, fuels anxieties about further interventions in Latin America.
