In a turn of events, US President Donald Trump said that he has invited his Colombian counterpart, President Gustavo Petro, to the White House. Ever since the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro by elite US forces, Trump and Petro had been attacking each other, with the former accusing Colombia of engaging in drug trade, as it was alleged against Venezuela.
What did Donald Trump say?
Trump wrote on Truth Social, "It was a Great Honor to speak with the President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, who called to explain the situation of drugs and other disagreements that we have had. I appreciated his call and tone, and look forward to meeting him in the near future." The US President added, "Arrangements are being made between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Foreign Minister of Colombia. The meeting will take place in the White House in Washington, D.C."
In the last few days, tensions were rising between the US and Colombia, as Donald Trump accused President Petro of being directly connected with the narcotics trade. Similar allegations were raised by the US against Nicolas Maduro, which finally led to his capture and arrest.
Also Read | US to hold talks with Denmark after Donald Trump hints at military option for Greenland
Rising tensions between US and Colombia
President Trump went to the extent of accusing Colombia of manufacturing drugs and peddling narcotics to the United States. He even called Petro "a sick man," Hindustan Times reported. When Trump was asked if he was hinting at a Venezuela-like military operation on Colombia, he replied, "Sounds good to me."
Colombian President Gustavo Petro, a former guerrilla, has strongly criticised the US military presence in the Caribbean. The operation began with attacks on alleged drug boats and later expanded to seizing Venezuelan oil tankers. Petro has called the US action in Venezuela an "abhorrent" violation of Latin American sovereignty.
Also Read | Russian oil tanker Marinera seized by US in major sanctions operation
Petro also said he is ready to "take up arms" if threatened by Donald Trump. In a post on X, he said that although he has vowed not to use weapons, he would fight to defend the homeland. While Colombia has long been a close US ally, tensions between the two sides have been rising in recent months.
