Colombia Sends Troops to Venezuelan Border After US Strikes

Colombia Sends Troops to Venezuelan Border After US Strikes

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has ordered the deployment of military and security forces to the Venezuelan border following United States strikes on Venezuela, which US President Donald Trump said ended with the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

Petro, reacting on Saturday, condemned Washington’s actions as an “assault on the sovereignty of Latin America”, warning that the escalation could trigger a humanitarian crisis in the region.

While calling for a peaceful resolution through dialogue, the leftist Colombian leader confirmed via X that he had instructed authorities to reinforce security along the Colombia–Venezuela border to preserve stability.

Despite Venezuela being governed by one of Colombia’s closest regional allies, Petro made no direct reference to Maduro’s reported capture in his remarks.

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Earlier, the Colombian president had requested an immediate meeting of the Organization of American States (OAS) and the United Nations, urging both bodies to examine what he described as the international legality of US military aggression against Venezuela.

Colombia currently holds a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council, strengthening its call for urgent international deliberations.

Petro has repeatedly criticized US military deployments in the Caribbean, ordered by President Trump as part of efforts to combat alleged drug trafficking networks linked to Venezuela. In further posts, Petro said precautionary measures were being implemented to maintain border stability and public safety.

An AFP correspondent reported that conditions remained calm at the main border crossing between the two countries as of Saturday.

Meanwhile, Colombian Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez said security forces had activated “all operational capacities” to prevent terrorist threats or infiltration by armed groups, including the National Liberation Army (ELN).

Tensions between Bogotá and Washington have risen in recent months after President Trump said he would not rule out strikes on drug-production laboratories in Colombia, remarks Petro previously condemned as a threat to national sovereignty.

Colombia Sends Troops to Venezuelan Border After US Strikes