Colombian President Gustavo Petro has urged Venezuela to join forces against transnational drug gangs. He extended an invitation to Venezuelan interim President Delcy Rodriguez, emphasizing that these groups "are defeated by the unity of nations". Petro shared this appeal for cooperation on social media platform X.

This call for cooperation follows a 7/1 phone conversation between President Petro and US President Donald Trump, where they discussed "joint operations" against drug trafficking groups along the Colombia-Venezuela border.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro in Cali, Colombia, in 11/2025. Photo: AFP

The discussion marked a de-escalation in US-Colombia relations after months of tension. On 9/1, President Trump further announced an invitation for his Colombian counterpart to visit the White House next month.

The 2,200 km shared border between Colombia and Venezuela is known as a hub for numerous armed criminal gangs. These groups engage in smuggling, drug trafficking, and illegal mineral extraction, constantly vying for territory.

Adding to the regional pressure, on 8/1, President Trump threatened that the US "would begin launching ground operations against drug gangs". While he did not specify a location, he complained that these gangs "are controlling Mexico".

This threat followed a 3/1 US raid into Venezuela, which resulted in the arrest of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. Maduro faces US indictments on charges related to drug trafficking and weapons possession.

Source: Ngoc Anh (AFP, Reuters)