Colombian President ready to ‘take up arms’ in face of Trump threats

Colombian President Gustavo Petro said on Monday (January 5, 2026) he would “take up arms” in the face of threats from U.S. counterpart Donald Trump, who over the weekend seized the leader of neighboring Venezuela in a military strike.

Winter Heating Solutions

Solimo 2000/1000 Watts Room Heater

Adjustable thermostat • ISI certified • Ideal for small to medium rooms

📦 Featured Product Recommendation

Below is a top-recommended product you can buy on Amazon — support us by using the link below (we earn a commission at no extra cost to you).

🔗 Buy on Amazon

* Shop with confidence — Amazon Affiliate Link

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.* 1

Check Price on Amazon

RR Signature WARMAXX Room Heater

Dual heating mode • Overheat protection • 5-level safety • 2 year warranty

View on Amazon

Borosil 2000W Novus Electric Fan Heater

Made in India • Variable temperature • Horizontal & vertical placement

See Details on Amazon

*Affiliate links. No extra cost to you.

U.S.-Venezuela tensions LIVE

Mr. Petro, a former guerrilla who has for months been the target of insults and threats from Mr. Trump, said on X: “I swore not to touch a weapon again… but for the homeland I will take up arms again.”

Mr. Trump said over the weekend that Mr. Petro should “watch his ass” and described Colombia’s first-ever leftist leader as “a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States.”

Mr. Petro has harshly criticized the Trump administration’s military action in the region and accused Washington of abducting Mr. Maduro “without legal basis.”