Petro calls for an end to the US blockade against Venezuela after Trump's threats.
The Colombian president criticized Washington's policy and stated that sanctions have only worsened the migration and social crisis in the neighboring country.
247 - Colombian President Gustavo Petro called on Wednesday (15) for the United States to end the economic blockade against Venezuela, calling the sanctions a “cowardice” that harms the Venezuelan people and aggravates the migratory flow throughout South America.
In a social media post, the Colombian leader stated that "all the Venezuelan migration that first arrived en masse in Colombia was unleashed by the blockade of Venezuela," highlighting that the economic blockade imposed by Washington was responsible for expelling millions of people from their native country.
“President Trump must understand that there are policies that end up harming the people themselves. One of them was the blockade of Venezuela. Millions of Venezuelans left for Colombia, many South American countries, and also the United States,” Petro wrote.
The president also argued that the path to political stability and democratic strengthening in the neighboring country lies in lifting sanctions and holding free elections.
"If we want to talk about democracy, it is much more powerful to unlock Venezuela and hold free elections for all."
Tension context
Petro's statements come a day after US President Donald Trump confirmed that he authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela with the aim of "pressuring" the government of Nicolás Maduro. According to Trump himself, the decision was motivated by allegations that Caracas had "sent prisoners and drugs to the US"—accusations that the Venezuelan government denies.
Just hours after the announcement, Maduro activated military defense zones on the borders with Colombia and mobilized armed and civilian forces throughout the country, stating that Venezuela "belongs exclusively to its people" and is ready to resist any attempt at external aggression.
