CARACAS – Colombian President Gustavo Petro has traveled to Venezuela, becoming the first foreign leader to visit since the U.S. operation in which Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro was apprehended. In Caracas, Petro met with interim President Delcy Rodríguez to discuss a range of issues, including security, defense, trade, and border disputes.
The United States previously transferred Maduro to American soil, where he faces charges related to drug trafficking. The operation drew international criticism and heightened tensions across Latin America.
Petro openly questioned the legal basis of the American operation, arguing that a clear legal foundation was lacking. In doing so, Colombia — traditionally a close ally of Washington — is distancing itself from the U.S. position.
Trump’s response
U.S. President Donald Trump responded sharply, accusing Petro of enabling drug smuggling. The remarks have further strained diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The border region between Colombia and Venezuela has long been plagued by violence linked to drug trafficking and armed groups. Through his visit, Petro is seeking to reinvigorate cooperation in the fight against these threats.
