Trump converses with Petro amid widespread protests in Colombia against US following Venezuela intervention – live
Colombians rally nationwide after Trump’s threatsCrowds of Colombians have congregated in public squares throughout the nation in demonstrations “to uphold national sovereignty” against Donald Trump’s military threats.Colombian flags fluttered from rooftops, windows, and taxi antennas in the capital, Bogotá, on Wednesday in response to President Gustavo Petro’s call for a “day of national mobilization.”“The U.S. is the largest threat to global peace,” read one placard at a protest in the city’s central Plaza de Bolívar. Hundreds of participants shouted “Long live free and sovereign Colombia!”In a security advisory, the US embassy in Bogotá cautioned its citizens to avoid the protests “as there is potential for them to become violent.”A protester displays a sign showing Gustavo Petro with a message in Spanish that translates to “He represents us and has our support” during a gathering at Plaza de Bolívar in Bogotá, Colombia. Photograph: Andres Rot/Getty ImagesAs reported by the Associated Press, Petro has expressed frustration with the Colombian congress for its resistance to his controversial reforms, and as he confronts various electoral challenges, he has found in Trump an ideal opponent for defending his legacy.“He seeks a platform where he becomes the most visible adversary, either rhetorically or politically, to the US,” remarked Sergio Guzman, a political risk analyst situated in Bogotá.ShareUpdated at 00.52 GMTKey events3h agoUS Venezuela raid resulted in 100 deaths, claims Caracas3h agoUS operation has left a ‘stain’ on Venezuela’s relations – Rodríguez4h agoColombians rally nationwide in response to Trump’s threats4h agoTrump acknowledges Petro’s call and mentions upcoming meeting5h agoStarmer addresses Greenland in discussion with Trump5h agoTrump and Petro speak on the phone – reports5h agoColombia warns of regional ‘catastrophe’ following Washington’s attack on Venezuela6h agoTrump signs declaration to withdraw from international organizations, according to the White House6h agoTrump states Venezuela will ‘only’ purchase US goods with revenue from oil sales under new agreement6h agoThe day so far7h ago’We do not owe the US anything’: Venezuelan oil company states negotiations are ongoing8h agoMarinera classified as ‘stateless vessel’ with a ‘long history of illicit activities’, claims UK defence secretary, asserting the mission was lawful8h agoExplainer: what are Trump’s true options for asserting control over Greenland?9h agoExplainer: why is there such interest in a decaying tanker in the Atlantic?9h agoRubio states the US strategy for Venezuela is stability, recovery, then transition9h agoUkraine welcomes US seizure of Russian-flagged tanker10h agoUS House speaker asserts no expectation for troops on the ground in Venezuela10h agoUS ‘not improvising’ in Venezuela, claims Rubio11h agoUK Home Office labels oil tanker seizures as ‘key activity with US allies’11h agoLeavitt dismisses Russian outrage over ship seizure11h agoLeavitt expresses that US control over Greenland would deter China and Russia in the Arctic11h agoCrew aboard seized tanker could face prosecution in US, says White House12h agoRubio asserts US on verge of agreement to acquire ‘all the oil stuck in Venezuela’12h agoVenezuelan interim leaders desire oil seized on the Sophia, Rubio states12h agoHegseth claims US military strength, showcased by tanker seizures, ‘will persist’12h agoRubio meeting with Denmark regarding Greenland next week13h agoUK endorses US seizure of Russian flagged oil tanker13h agoSenior Russian lawmakers denounce US seizure of Russian-flagged tanker as piracy13h ago’No state has the right to use force against vessels’ from other jurisdictions, Russia states following US seizure of Russian-flagged tanker14h ago’We will always support NATO, even if they do not reciprocate,’ Trump asserts14h agoUS military confirms seizure of Russian-flagged tanker15h agoRussian footage of Marinera allegedly shows US special forces helicopters near tanker15h agoVenezuela-linked Russian-flagged tanker seized in North Atlantic near Iceland – US media report15h agoIcelandic coast guard announces they are monitoring movements of Marinera15h agoReported US attempt to seize Russian-flagged Marinera – context16h agoUS making efforts to seize Russian-flagged tanker – media reports16h agoDanish and Greenlandic ministers seek urgent conference with US Rubio over Greenland’s future16h agoRussia reportedly deploys submarine to escort ‘shadow fleet’ tanker pursued by US17h agoLive in Greenland? Offer your perspectives on Trump’s remarks17h agoUK’s Farage agrees with Trump on the necessity for a large NATO base in Greenland – yet contends that seizing it by force would be ‘outrageous’18h agoBrigitte Bardot’s funeral commences in Saint-Tropez18h agoUkraine’s national interests will be safeguarded at Paris discussions, asserts Zelenskyy’s chief aide18h agoUkraine-US discussions to continue in Paris, says Zelenskyy18h agoAttention on Marinera oil tanker as Russia sends naval escort19h agoEU displays weak position as Trump assaults Venezuela and threatens Greenland19h agoHow a US takeover of Greenland would compromise NATO from within – analysis19h agoMore than 700 flights from Amsterdam cancelled due to severe weather20h agoEuropean leaders unite in support of Greenland as US escalates threats20h agoMorning opening: One step forward, one step backShow key events onlyPlease activate JavaScript to utilize this featureJonathan WattsThe US’s first overt assault on an Amazon nation last weekend marks a new chapter in its extractive competition with China.The outcome will determine whether the immense mineral resources of South America are funneled toward a 21st-century energy transition or a strengthening of military power to defend 20th-century fossil fuel interests.While this action was ostensibly aimed at one corrupt regime in a dismal country, the implications reach far broader.Venezuela’s oil is the clear target, but it is not the sole focus.You can read the complete analysis here:ShareVenezuela’s military conducted a funeral for some of the personnel killed during the US operation that captured president Nicolás Maduro.Venezuelan interior minister Diosdado Cabello announced on Wednesday evening that 100 individuals, including civilians, perished during the US raid over the weekend. The army previously shared a roster of 23 soldiers killed. Below are several images from Caracas showing Wednesday’s funeral procession honoring the deceased.Military personnel carrying a casket. Photograph: Maxwell Briceno/ReutersFamily members of the Venezuelan soldiers who were killed. Photograph: Ariana Cubillos/APCoffins draped in the Venezuelan flag. Photograph: Ariana Cubillos/APOfficers pay tribute. Photograph: Maxwell Briceno/ReutersShareUpdated at 04.08 GMTThe Trump administration has declared its intention to direct decisions of Venezuela’s interim leadership and oversee the nation’s oil sales “indefinitely” following Nicolás Maduro’s ousting.“We undeniably possess maximum leverage over the interim authorities in Venezuela at this moment” after the capture operation, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated during a briefing on Wednesday. “We’re continuing to maintain close collaboration with the interim authorities, and their choices will be dictated by the United States of America.”Trump’s declaration of US dominance over the oil-rich nation occurs despite the interim leader Delcy Rodríguez asserting that no foreign entity is controlling Caracas.“Our relations bear a stain never before witnessed in our historical context,” Rodríguez remarked regarding the US operation aimed at removing her predecessor.ShareUpdated at 03.25 GMTThe US European Command’s verification that it boarded the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera due to alleged sanctions breaches concludes a dramatic two-week pursuit that began in the Caribbean and ended in the Atlantic.Separately, on Wednesday, the US coast guard announced it had apprehended another dark-fleet tanker that is under sanctions, the M Sophia, in a pre-dawn operation in the Caribbean.In commentary regarding both operations, the White House indicated it would keep seizing vessels linked to Venezuela following Donald Trump’s announcement last month of a “complete blockade” on ships carrying oil for Caracas.Asked if the seizure of a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the Atlantic posed a risk of escalating tensions with Russia, the White House’s press secretary did not respond directly but noted that the crew might be transferred to the US for prosecution “if necessary”.The Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera captured in the distance in an image released by the US European Command. Photograph: US European Command/X/ReutersFor additional information on this and other major stories from the Trump administration today, see our summary here:ShareUpdated at 03.31 GMTDonald Trump and his team are developing an extensive strategy to take control of Venezuela’s oil sector for years ahead, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.The US president has conveyed to aides his belief that his actions could bring oil prices down to $50 per barrel, according to the report released on Wednesday.Citing knowledgeable sources, the report indicates a plan under consideration involves the US exerting some oversight over Venezuela’s state-owned oil company PDVSA, including potentially acquiring the majority of its oil output.The report’s claims could not be verified immediately.ShareTom PhillipsNumerous protesters have flooded the streets of cities across Colombia to denounce Donald Trump’s threats to expand his military actions in South America into their land, following last weekend’s lethal operation against Venezuela.In Cúcuta, a city along Colombia’s eastern border with Venezuela, several hundred marchers headed toward its historic cathedral waving the country’s yellow, blue, and red flag and chanting: “Fuera los yanquis!” (“Out with the Yanks!”)Protester José Silva, aged 67, mentioned that the kidnapping of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro during Saturday’s assault trivialized Trump’s claim to be “the president of peace.”The full report we’ve just issued can be found here:Supporters of Colombian president Gustavo Petro demonstrate in Bogotá. Photograph: Santiago Saldarriaga/APShareUpdated at 03.36 GMTUS Venezuela raid resulted in 100 deaths, reports CaracasIn follow-up to our earlier post, Venezuela had not previously provided a figure for fatalities in the weekend US operation that ousted president Nicolás Maduro, but the army supplied a list of 23 deceased personnel. Interior minister Diosdado Cabello indicated on Wednesday night that 100 individuals perished in the US raid, as per Reuters.Venezuelan officials have asserted that a significant portion of Maduro’s security detail was killed “in cold blood,” with Cuba reporting that 32 members of its military and intelligence agencies in Venezuela were lost. Cabello also noted that Maduro’s spouse, First Lady Cilia Flores – who was taken into custody alongside him – sustained a head injury during the US assault, while Maduro incurred a leg injury.As detailed in our article regarding the couple’s court appearance in New York City on Tuesday, Flores had two prominent Band-Aids on her face – on her temple and forehead.Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez, whom Cabello commended during his weekly show on state television as “brave,” has declared a week of mourning for the military members who lost their lives in the raid.ShareUpdated at 02.12 GMTThe Venezuelan interior minister has been quoted recently stating that 100 individuals died in the US strike on the nation over the weekend, including civilians.We will provide more updates on Diosdado Cabello’s statements as information becomes available.ShareUpdated at 01.46 GMTUS operation has ‘stained’ Venezuela relations – RodríguezVenezuela’s interim leader has remarked that the US’s action to remove her predecessor has left a “stain” on their bilateral relations, yet she stood by plans to sell oil to the US.“A stain has been placed on our relations as never before seen in our history,” Delcy Rodríguez stated on Wednesday, according to AFP.However, she added that it is “not unusual or abnormal” to engage in trade with the US now, following state oil company PDVSA’s announcement that it is negotiating to sell crude to the US.Rodríguez separately asserted in a meeting with the leadership of Venezuela’s national assembly that the country is “open to energy partnerships that benefit all parties involved.”Delcy Rodríguez taking the oath as Venezuela’s interim president on Monday. Photograph: Government ministry of information/ShutterstockShareUpdated at 01.34 GMTColombians gather nationwide after Trump’s threatsCrowds of Colombians have congregated in public squares throughout the nation in protests “to uphold national sovereignty” against Donald Trump’s military threats.Colombian flags waved from rooftops, windows, and taxi antennas in Bogotá on Wednesday, in response to President Gustavo Petro’s call for a “day of national mobilization.”“The U.S. is the largest threat to global peace,” read one banner at a protest in Plaza de Bolívar. Hundreds of demonstrators shouted “Long live free and sovereign Colombia!”A security alert from the US embassy in Bogotá cautioned Americans to avoid the protests “as they could potentially escalate into violence.”A protester displays a sign depicting Gustavo Petro with a message in Spanish that translates as “He represents us and has our support” during a gathering at Plaza de Bolívar in Bogotá, Colombia. Photograph: Andres Rot/Getty ImagesAs reported by the Associated Press, Petro has shown frustration with congressional opposition to his challenging reforms, and in facing various electoral pressures, he has identified Trump as an ideal adversary for preserving his legacy.“He desires a platform where he can be the most distinct opponent, rhetorically or politically, to the US,” remarked Sergio Guzman, a political risk analyst situated in Bogotá.ShareUpdated at 00.52 GMTTrump acknowledges Petro call and upcoming meetingDonald Trump has confirmed his conversation with Gustavo Petro, stating he “valued his call and tone” and that arrangements for a meeting at the White House would be established soon.The US president posted on his Truth Social platform: It was an Honor to speak with the President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, who contacted me to clarify the issues concerning drugs and other disagreements we have experienced. I appreciated his call and tone, and look forward to our upcoming meeting. Arrangements are being made between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Colombia’s Foreign Minister. The meeting is set to take place in the White House in Washington, D.C.
ShareUpdated at 00.04 GMTStarmer discusses Greenland during call with TrumpKeir Starmer engaged in conversation with Donald Trump on Wednesday evening, outlining his stance on Greenland, according to a statement from the UK government.Both leaders also talked about the joint operation to intercept the Marinera tanker, recent developments regarding Ukraine, and the US operation in Venezuela, as claimed by the statement cited by Reuters. Earlier, Starmer stated that he supported Denmark in safeguarding Greenland, asserting that the future of the extensive territory should not be determined by anyone else after Trump expressed a need for it for defense.
ShareUpdated at 01.00 GMTTrump and Petro hold phone call – reportsDonald Trump and Colombia’s Gustavo Petro had a phone conversation on Wednesday afternoon, as reported by a Colombian presidential source and local media. This marks the initial call between the two leaders since Trump commented on Sunday that a US military operation targeting Colombia’s government “sounds good” to him.Details of their conversation have not been clarified immediately, but sources from Petro’s office described the call as “cordial” and “respectful.”
ShareUpdated at 23.46 GMTColombia warns of potential regional ‘catastrophe’ post Washington’s Venezuela assaultA US military strike on Venezuela that overthrew leader Nicolás Maduro could lead to a “catastrophe” affecting all of South America, warned Colombia’s deputy foreign minister. “Should a significant humanitarian disaster occur, the resulting devastation will be beyond control… We are discussing a catastrophe of a magnitude Latin America has never encountered,” Mauricio Jaramillo conveyed to Agence France-Presse in an interview conducted in Bogotá on Wednesday.Colombia shares a porous 2,200km (1,370-mile) border with Venezuela and has been the chief destination for migrants escaping the economic and political turmoil there.Jaramillo stated that Colombia could never be “entirely prepared for a deterioration caused by war,” particularly given the current division within Latin America regarding Donald Trump’s maneuvers.Mauricio Jaramillo addressing the press in Bogotá this week. Photograph: Carlos Ortega/EPARight-leaning governments in Argentina and Ecuador have backed the removal of Maduro, while leftists in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, and other nations have strongly condemned it.Jaramillo commented: “This division evidently impedes a regional solution… Lacking shared foundations and basic consensus, it’s obviously quite challenging to respond on a regional scale.”He added that a US military attack on Colombia seems “unlikely,” though the country would have a “legitimate” reaction if necessary.Colombia, along with its first leftist president, Gustavo Petro, has consistently denounced Washington’s extensive naval deployment in South America, its bombardment of suspected drug-trafficking vessels, seizure of Venezuelan oil tankers, and the recent capture of Maduro. This criticism from Bogotá has frustrated Trump, who has labeled Petro a drug baron – an accusation Petro refutes – and cautioned him on Saturday to “watch his back.”
ShareUpdated at 23.28 GMTTrump signs proclamation withdrawing from international organizations, according to White House statementDonald Trump has also issued a proclamation withdrawing the United States from 35 non-United Nations organizations and 31 UN bodies that “act contrary to US national interests,” as stated by the White House. Though the specific organizations were not listed, the statement indicated they promote “radical climate policies, global governance, and ideological initiatives that conflict with US sovereignty and economic vigor.”It stressed that this decision was prompted by a review of all international intergovernmental organizations, treaties, and conventions to which the US is a member or party, according to Reuters. “These withdrawals will eliminate American taxpayer funding and participation in entities promoting globalist agendas over US priorities, or that handle important issues ineffectively, thus US taxpayer funds can be more efficiently allocated toward relevant missions,” the White House stated. Since commencing his second term a year ago, Trump has sought to cut US contributions to the UN, ceased US engagement with the UN Human Rights Council, continued a freeze on payments to the Palestinian relief organization UNRWA, and exited the UN cultural agency UNESCO. He has also signaled intentions to withdraw from the World Health Organization and the Paris climate agreement.
ShareUpdated at 22.47 GMT
Published: 2026-01-08 04:21:00
source: www.theguardian.com
