Thousands of Colombians took to the streets on Wednesday to denounce Donald Trump's threats of military intervention in their country, following his recent attack on Venezuela. The protests, called by President Gustavo Petro, saw demonstrators marching in cities including Cúcuta and Bogotá, waving flags and shouting anti-American slogans.
In Cúcuta, on the border with Venezuela, several hundred people marched towards the city's cathedral, chanting “Fuera los yanquis!” (Out with the Yanks!). Janet Chacón, a 55-year-old businesswoman, said: “Trump is the devil … he's the most abhorrent person in the world.” José Silva, 67, added: “He's the president of war … he's a maniac.”
President Petro addressed a rally in Bogotá, calling the US raid on Venezuela “illegal”. He had spoken with Trump earlier, with Trump describing the call as “a great honor”. However, Petro warned: “We cannot lower our guard.” Trump had previously called Petro “a sick man who likes making cocaine”, though no evidence supports this claim.
Trump's attack on Venezuela, which he admitted was partly to secure “total access” to its oil reserves, has sparked protests across Latin America, including in Mexico City, São Paulo and Buenos Aires. Brazilian congressman Reimont Otoni condemned the intervention as “North American imperialism” aimed at seizing oil.
Many protesters fear Colombia could be next. Marta Jiménez, a 65-year-old teacher, said: “He doesn't want to liberate Venezuela. He just wants the oil.” Another protester, Juan Carlos Silva, 59, warned: “They are coming for Colombia.” The US embassy had urged its citizens to avoid the demonstrations, citing potential for violence.
