Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets of cities across Colombia to denounce Donald Trump's threats of military intervention in their country, following last weekend's deadly US raid on Venezuela. The demonstrations were called by President Gustavo Petro after Trump indicated he favoured military action in Colombia.
In Cúcuta, on the border with Venezuela, several hundred marchers waved the Colombian flag and chanted “Fuera los yanquis!” (“Out with the Yanks!”). Protester Janet Chacón called Trump “the devil”, while José Silva accused him of being a “maniac” and “president of war”. Silva urged the US Congress to remove Trump from office.
Speaking at a rally in Bogotá's Bolívar Plaza, President Petro described the assault on Venezuela as “illegal”. He had earlier spoken with Trump, who described the call as “a great honour” and said he looked forward to meeting Petro. However, Petro warned: “We cannot lower our guard.”
Trump's threat followed his claim that Petro was “a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States”. Asked about the possibility of military action in Colombia, Trump told reporters: “It sounds good to me.” The US embassy advised its citizens to avoid the protests, citing the potential for violence.
Demonstrations have also occurred in other Latin American cities, including Mexico City, São Paulo and Buenos Aires. Leftwing Brazilian congressman Reimont Otoni condemned the “Yankee invasion” and asserted that Latin America is not the US's “back yard”. He said Trump's aim is to seize control of Venezuela's oil reserves.
Protester Marta Jiménez in Cúcuta warned that any Latin American nation could be next, while Juan Carlos Silva expressed fear that “they are coming for Colombia”. The rallies reflect growing anger across the region over Trump's aggressive stance.
