Colombian President Gustavo Petro has issued a pointed response to US President Donald Trump after the latter warned that any country trafficking drugs into the United States, including Colombia, could face military action.

Trump made the remarks during a Cabinet meeting at the White House on Tuesday, singling out Colombia as a major source of cocaine destined for US markets. “Anybody that’s doing that and selling it into our country is subject to attack,” Trump said, emphasizing his administration’s stance on narcotics trafficking.

Petro Highlights Colombia’s Anti-Drug Efforts

In a swift rebuttal on social media, Petro defended Colombia’s record, noting that his government has destroyed 18,400 cocaine laboratories—all without the use of missiles or military strikes. “Come to Colombia, Mr. Trump,” Petro wrote. “Come with me, and I’ll show you how they are destroyed, one laboratory every 40 minutes, to prevent cocaine from reaching the US.”

Petro also issued a stern warning regarding Colombia’s sovereignty, describing Trump’s threat as “a declaration of war that will awaken a Jaguar.” He urged the former president not to damage two centuries of diplomatic relations, referencing previous accusations by Trump alleging that Petro was involved in the drug trade.

Colombia’s Role in Global Cocaine Production

Despite Petro’s assurances, Colombia remains the largest source of cocaine entering the United States. According to the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), 84% of the cocaine seized in the US in 2024 originated from Colombia.

Regional Military Tensions and Controversial Strikes

The Trump administration has recently increased its military presence in Latin America, claiming to target the flow of drugs from Venezuela. This includes missile strikes on vessels in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, which have reportedly killed at least 83 people.

Trump made his recent remarks about expanding attacks while seated next to US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who is under scrutiny for a so-called “double-tap” strike in September. That operation killed two survivors from an earlier US attack on a vessel in the Caribbean Sea that had already killed nine individuals. Legal experts have suggested the second strike may constitute a war crime, and both Democrat and Republican lawmakers have called for an investigation.

Hegseth defended the strike but said he did not witness the second deadly attack in real time, only learning hours later that US Admiral Frank Bradley, head of Special Operations Command, had ordered the follow-up strike. Washington has provided no evidence that the victims were involved in illegal activity, while Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro accused the US of attempting to oust him under the guise of anti-drug operations.

Petro’s Firm Stance

Petro’s invitation to Trump to personally witness cocaine lab demolitions is a symbolic gesture demonstrating Colombia’s commitment to anti-drug efforts while reinforcing national sovereignty. The Colombian president’s remarks underscore growing tension between Colombia and the US regarding anti-narcotics policy and regional military interventions.