Mon Jan 05 14:07:14 UTC 2026: Headline: Colombian President Petro Threatens Armed Resistance Following U.S. Seizure of Venezuelan Leader

The Story:
On January 5, 2026, Colombian President Gustavo Petro sharply criticized the Trump administration’s military action in Venezuela, denouncing the abduction of Venezuelan President Maduro “without legal basis.” Petro, a former guerrilla fighter, vowed to “take up arms again” in response to threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, who had previously insulted Petro and accused him of involvement in drug trafficking. The escalating tensions underscore a significant deterioration in relations between Colombia and the United States.

Key Points:

  • Colombian President Gustavo Petro condemned the U.S. military action in Venezuela.
  • President Trump had seized the leader of neighboring Venezuela in a military strike.
  • Petro stated he would “take up arms again” in the face of threats from Trump.
  • Trump had insulted Petro, accusing him of drug trafficking.
  • Petro accused Washington of abducting Maduro “without legal basis.”

Critical Analysis:
The historical context shows a polarized reaction to the U.S. action. While CPI-M in India are protesting the capture of the Venezuelan President, Ana Navarro of ‘The View’ applauds Trump’s actions. This division highlights the international ramifications of the U.S. intervention and suggests varying geopolitical alignments.

Key Takeaways:

  • The U.S. military intervention in Venezuela has triggered a severe diplomatic crisis with Colombia.
  • Petro’s threat to take up arms signifies a potentially destabilizing shift in the region.
  • The incident underscores the increasingly strained relationship between the U.S. and leftist governments in Latin America.
  • International public opinion seems to be split between condemning and applauding the U.S. President’s actions.

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