Author: La Tabla/Data Journalism Platform 10 AUGUST 2025
The Colombian president, Gustavo Petro, warned that any military action in Venezuela without regional approval would be considered an “aggression against Latin America and the Caribbean.” This statement comes following the increase of the U.S. reward to $50 million for the capture of Nicolás Maduro, coupled with a secret order from Donald Trump authorizing military operations in the region.
Critical context:
1. Historic reward: The U.S. has raised the reward for Maduro, accused of leading the Cartel of the Suns and engaging in narco-terrorism, surpassing the amounts offered for drug lords like “El Mencho” or Pablo Escobar.
2. Trump’s military directive: According to The New York Times, the president signed a secret directive allowing the Pentagon to carry out operations against designated terrorist cartels, including those from Venezuela.
3. Petro’s response: The Colombian leader stated that his government has received “support from Maduro and Minister of Defense Padrino” to combat cross-border drug trafficking, dismissing the rewards as a strategy. “Colombia and Venezuela are one people, one flag,” he emphasized on social media.
Regional reactions:
– Venezuela: The regime denounced the accusations as “interference” and denied the existence of the Cartel of the Suns. Minister Vladimir Padrino López assured he is “on permanent alert.”
– Mexico: President Claudia Sheinbaum ruled out an invasion, stating, “The United States is not going to come to Mexico with military force.”
Border operations:
The Colombian Military Forces are ramping up offensives against the ELN in Arauca and Norte de Santander, areas where the group conducts terror attacks and controls drug trafficking routes to Venezuela.
Conclusion: Petro’s warning highlights the geopolitical tension ignited by Trump’s drug policy, which could disrupt the fragile stability along the Colombia-Venezuela border.