Maduro Calls Colombia and Venezuela ‘One Country’ Amid U.S. Tensions

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro recently proclaimed that Venezuela and Colombia are effectively “one country,” as tensions escalate between the two nations and the United States. His comments come in the wake of increased U.S. military operations in the Caribbean aimed at combating drug trafficking. Maduro emphasized the intertwined fates of the two nations, stating, “Whatever happens with Venezuela is the same with Colombia.”

During a public address, Maduro referred to an interaction with a Colombian military officer, asserting that any aggression against Venezuela would also affect Colombia. “We are one country, and we’re not just saying it,” he declared, highlighting the solidarity he perceives between the two nations.

Petro Critiques U.S. Military Actions

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has expressed strong opposition to U.S. military actions in the region. He condemned recent strikes against alleged drug trafficking vessels, arguing that such operations are merely a pretext for an invasion driven by U.S. interests in Venezuela’s oil reserves. In an interview with Univision, Petro stated, “Lies. They killed 27 Latin American people with missiles. It’s a war crime. It’s an excuse to invade Venezuela because they want to keep their oil.”

Petro’s rhetoric reflects his frustration with the U.S. administration, particularly targeting President Donald Trump. He accused Trump of treating Colombia disrespectfully and attempting to exert control over the country. “He can speak with me as an equal. Giving me orders? No sir,” Petro asserted, reinforcing his stance on Colombian sovereignty.

Diplomatic Strains and U.S. Criticism

In response to the deteriorating relationship, Bogota announced the recall of its ambassador to the United States. Colombian Foreign Minister Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio Mapy confirmed that Ambassador Daniel Garcia-Peña has returned to Bogota, with further decisions regarding the diplomatic situation to be communicated by Petro.

Trump has not held back in his criticism of Petro’s administration. He labeled Colombia as a “drug manufacturing machine” and called Petro “the worst president they’ve ever had.” Trump’s remarks included accusations of Petro being a “drug-trafficking leader” who has failed to curb coca cultivation despite substantial U.S. financial assistance. He announced that all payments and subsidies to Colombia would cease immediately, stating, “As of today, these payments, or any other form of payment or subsidy, will no longer be made to Colombia.”

The escalating tensions between the U.S., Colombia, and Venezuela highlight a complex geopolitical landscape, marked by President Maduro’s unyielding support for his ally in Colombia and Petro’s fierce defense of national sovereignty against perceived foreign intervention. As the situation continues to develop, the implications for both nations and their relationship with the United States remain uncertain.